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How to Organize a Teach-In with the Teach-In Network

1. Planning the Teach-In:

  • Define the Purpose: Clearly identify the topic and goals of the teach-in (e.g., educating activists on a specific issue, building solidarity, swaying votes, getting media attention, etc.).
  • Assemble a Planning Team: Gather a group of co-organizers to help with logistics, promotion, and facilitating discussions.
  • Target Audience: Define who the target audience is (e.g., local students, activists, community members, professors) and tailor the outreach accordingly.
  • Select Date and Time: Choose a date and time that works well for your target audience, considering availability and local events.
  • Secure a Venue: Find a suitable location, such as a community center, university hall, or virtual platform (Zoom, etc.).
  • Invite Speakers: Identify and invite knowledgeable speakers or facilitators who can lead discussions and provide expertise on the topic.
View Available Speakers

YOU: In the early planning process, it’s your responsibility to assemble a team, and select your date, time, and location or online platform.
TEACH-IN NETWORK: We will connect you with speakers after you fill out the speaker request form located in your toolbox.

2. Promotion and Outreach:

  • Create a Flyer and Event Page: Design an event flyer that can be printed and shared on social media and an online page with clear details (title, date, location, speaker info) to attract participants.
  • Promote the Event: Share the event on social media, activist networks, and local community boards. Reach out to relevant organizations and groups to spread the word. Try to work with already existing organizations who may be interested to expand your reach.
  • Use Hashtags and Social Media Groups: Leverage hashtags, Facebook groups, Tik-Tok trends, Discord groups, and other online communities where potential participants are active.

YOU: Do whatever you can to get people signed-up to attend your teach-in.
TEACH-IN NETWORK: If you find it helpful, we will send an email to activists in your community who are a part of the over 1 million activists in the RootsAction network and invite them to your teach-in. 

3. Organizing the Event:

  • Plan the Agenda: Create a clear agenda, outlining the key topics, speaker presentations, and time for open discussion or Q&A.

     

    • Below is a sample Agenda. Yours may look similar or completely different. That’s okay! The goal is to foster dialogue, educate one another, and encourage more organizing and nonviolent action.
      • 7:00 – introductions
      • 7:05 – first speaker – topic 1
        • slides
      • 7:15 – discussion and Q&A
      • 7:25 – watch video
      • 7:30 – discussion
      • 7:45 – second speaker – topic 2
        • slides
      • 8:00 – discussion and Q&A
      • 8:20 – breakout groups – topic 3
      • 8:30 – Discussion
      • 8:45 – Organizing a follow-up action

         

  • Prepare Materials: Prepare any handouts, slides, or educational materials to distribute to attendees during the event.
  • Test the Technology (for virtual events): If the event is online, ensure all tech (Zoom, microphones, internet connection) is working properly, and run a test with speakers BEFORE the day of the teach-in.
  • Arrange Logistics: Set up the venue with necessary equipment like chairs, microphones, projectors, and refreshments if needed.

YOU: Plan your teach-in. Use the materials provided by the Teach-In Network as conversation-starters and educational materials.
TEACH-IN NETWORK: If you need a Zoom link, we can provide one. If you need guidance on HOW to create an agenda and begin organizing, we can help! Contact Ryan (at) Rootsaction.org.

4. Host your Teach-In and Engage Participants:

  • Welcome and Introductions: Start the teach-in by welcoming participants, introducing the speakers, and explaining the goals of the session.
  • Facilitate Discussions: Ensure the speakers or facilitators guide the conversation while leaving room for participants to engage and ask questions.
  • Encourage Participation: Create interactive segments like breakout groups or Q&A sessions to keep attendees engaged and encourage collaboration.

YOU: Keep the Teach-In on schedule and moving forward. Mediate tense moments and encourage folks to engage, listen, ask questions, and share their own experiences.

5. After the Teach-In:

  • Share Follow-Up Materials: Send out a recap of the event, including any important resources, links, or next steps for further involvement. You also might want to post and share video excerpts and/or an entire video of your event.
  • Gather Feedback: Ask participants for feedback on the event to improve future teach-ins.
  • Plan Next Steps: If the teach-in was part of a larger campaign, plan follow-up actions, such as future events, protests, or organizing meetings.
  • Stay Connected: Keep in touch with attendees by creating an email list or group chat for ongoing communication and activism.

YOU: Send a recap to the emails you collected, get feedback, and plan your next teach-in or nonviolent action.
TEACH-IN NETWORK: We’ll follow up with you to see how the teach-in went and learn how we can improve our process and resources.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Teach-In Network is sponsored by the RootsAction Education Fund.