Western States Center's Community Strategic Training Initiative (CSTI) is one of the premiere training events for community-based leaders working throughout the West. CSTI offers three days of intensive training in community organizing, electoral organizing, non-profit management and leadership skills. CSTI trainers include many of the finest presenters and most experienced organizers from around the country. The event is for leaders, staff and volunteers of community organizations and constituency-based groups who are working to address civil rights, the environment, women's issues, education, labor and other critical struggles facing our communities.

Last year, more than 400 individuals representing hundreds of organizations from 25 states came together for training, networking, community building, discussion and strategizing.

CSTI differs from the typical conference format in that participants choose only one training to attend each day. Workshops are designed to give participants intensive training as well as nuts-and-bolts skills, not just an overview. Small groups and non-formal adult education techniques are utilized, and workshops are well-balanced and diverse by race, gender, geography and strategic approach.

CSTI runs Friday, August 2nd through Sunday, August 4th , 2002 in Portland, Oregon at Reed College.

Books by CSTI Trainers

We have put up a list of books by 2002 presenter, trainers or their organizations which you can purchase online.

Photo Gallery from 2001

Last year's participants took many photos which have been uploaded to a photo gallery online. Take a moment to check it out here.

What happened to Thursday?

Western States Center is committed to providing high quality training to the grassroots community. Due to budget constraints felt across the non-profit sector, we are offering three days of training at our usual high standard.

©2002, Western States Center