Base-Building in Authoritarian Times

Why Base Building, Why Now

Movements in the U.S. are often strong at mobilizing — turning people out for marches, flooding social media, or responding to crisis. But mobilization alone doesn’t build the durable power we need. Without organized bases of people, rooted in shared structures and long-term relationships, mobilizations fade and energy dissipates.

Base building is how we create the political homes, trust, and capacity that make movements resilient. It’s how organizers move from reaction to strategy, from momentary energy to sustained power. To resist authoritarianism and fight for justice in the years ahead, we need to sharpen these skills.

What You’ll Learn

This workshop will ground participants in the practice of base building. Together, we will:

• Break down what base building is and why it’s essential.
• Explore practical methods for developing and sustaining a base, from outreach to collective leadership and people's movement assemblies.
• Look at real-world examples of organizations that have built lasting power through base building.
• Practice tools you can take back to your community to anchor your work in durable structures of people power.

🥗 Lunch provided | 😷 Masks required when not eating or drinking

This workshop will be facilitated by Denzel Caldwell and Mason Herson-Hord.

This event is being organized by Kelly Hayes and the Doing Justice Collaborative.

Also check out other Workshops in Chicago.