When Portland Organizing Project leaders voted to disband and reorganize in 1998, one of the main reasons for building a broad-based organization was the need to broaden the number of leaders engaged in public life. Leaders felt the need for training more leaders within congregations, labor union locals, community organizations, and education associations - the civil sector organizations in order to build more power to mediate for families.

A group of leaders led by Nancy Phelps (Redeemer Lutheran), Chris Kresek (St. Rita) and Dick Harmon (IAF staff), designed and experimented with multi-hour sessions focused on teaching the universals of power and organizing through family stories and group reflection.

Over the years, these institutes have been taught, critiqued, edited, and transformed by dozens of leaders in Portland, Spokane, Seattle, Central Washington and Edmonton. As they continue to evolve, the purpose is always the same, to teach more people in our communities to participate in public life through the basic cycle of organizing - story, reflection, research, action and evaluation.

What people have to say about leadership institutes:

"I found it quite refreshing to interact with, and now work with people who are genuinely concerned and want to make a difference. It is a great feeling when you can be part of something that is going to impact generations to come.”

 Annette Hunt, Rehoboth World Healing Center/Black Parent Initiative.

“I continue to be convinced that the leadership training is the most important gift that MACG gives to the community.”

Nancy Cretsinger, St. Clare Catholic Community

"The training helps a diverse group of people realize their common interests can be bound together to advocate for social improvement."

Bruce Dennis, Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters