Build Capacity

Strengthening Advocacy and Organizing in Communities of Color

Organizations can build long-term community power through early, on-going and substantial technical and financial investments. MED recognizes the need to continuously build leadership opportunities for community organizations and individuals to be the next generation of change agents.

A recent example of how MED approaches this work is the Washington Census Alliance – a statewide coalition of over 70 organizations led by communities of color.  The WCA coordinated efforts to raise and leverage over $3 million to build long-term capacity and leadership opportunities throughout Washington State.

This influx of capital and commitment to technical and programmatic support will ensure additional work in the near future.

MED’s role as a partner

MED facilitated an early convening of Alliance members, led legislative strategy, and coordinated advocacy efforts to secure over $15 million in state funding targeted for community outreach.

MED then developed regranting strategies and applications for community organizations to access state funds, and developed a relational organizing model that was adopted by the coalition.