October 11th, 2025
How do we build the world that we want to see? We often find ourselves caught in the trap of focusing on what we dislike, rather than what we truly want. Furthermore, we can become entangled in existing structures, expecting them to perform tasks for which they weren’t designed. This calls us to call on our most creative selves to build the world that does not yet exist. Constructive programs are an integral part of building, allowing us to show “the people” that the world can be different, and we don’t have to accept the world as it is.
This process of constructing a new world comes with a heavy load, though. To achieve this, we’ll need to ensure that the people themselves are engaged and active in its development. That’s why we’re pairing constructive programs with organizational excellence. Unfortunately, good ideas aren’t enough to bring about change. There is a significant demand for people who wish to exercise leadership to show up and build the structures that help people feel welcome, safe, and motivated to engage in the work. In our pursuit of justice, whether we’re tearing down the old world or building the new one, we’ll need a safe space in which to do it. This week, we’ll explore how to create structures that support people well and put us in a position to advance towards the world we want to see.
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Arenne ‘Ren’ Flanders was born/raised in northeast Ohio and earned her master's degree in Social Innovation from the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego, and bachelor’s degrees in international relations and political science from Cleveland State University. Most recently, Ren has supported applied research and reports on gender-based election violence (GBEV) and women's peacebuilding leadership across various diasporas, while also contributing to global peacebuilding networks at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Ren was the lead organizer for the New Abolitionist Association, where she fought to establish a Citizens’ Police Review Board and designed constructive programming for local youth, which ignited her passion for justice and equity. Professionally, Ren is a proven public servant and startup professional with experience developing free education programs, collaborative public services, and constructive community programs. Ren is passionate about bridging gaps between community needs and government services, dismantling violent systems, and addressing our most pressing concerns sustainably.
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This session delves into Constructive Programs, a concept articulated by Mahatma Gandhi and further developed by Michael Nagler at the Metta Center for Nonviolence. Constructive Programs are proactive efforts within a community to build positive alternatives to oppressive systems. They focus on creating structures, systems, and resources embodying justice, self-reliance, and sustainability. Gandhi emphasized that Constructive Programs are essential for achieving true independence and social transformation, as they empower individuals and communities to take control of their own destinies.
Participants will explore how Constructive Programs complement and enhance nonviolent resistance by providing a foundation for lasting change. Through case studies and practical exercises, attendees will learn how to implement Constructive Programs in their communities alongside their direct action campaigns, addressing issues such as economic self-reliance, education, and environmental sustainability. By integrating these programs with nonviolent action, movements can create a more just and equitable society, ensuring that the gains of their struggles are sustained over time.
Participants will be able to independently design and implement Constructive Programs within their communities and integrate them strategically with nonviolent resistance efforts to foster justice, self-reliance, and sustainability for sustained social transformation. This goal emphasizes the long-term ability to apply the concepts and strategies learned in the workshop to real-world contexts beyond the session.
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Drew Serres is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Network Delaware which focuses on activating regular people in the political process through leadership development, civic engagement, and policy change. Through the organization Drew has provided a space to support campaigns for racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and economic opportunity. He focuses his time coaching and developing the next set of social change organizers across the state. Previously, Drew managed and coached multiple grassroots electoral and issue-oriented campaigns from the local to the state-wide level. He also wrote at OrganizingChange.org and coached chess at a local school.
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This session focuses on fostering a high-performance culture within volunteer organizations. Participants will explore key principles and best practices for achieving organizational excellence, including strategic alignment, effective leadership, and continuous improvement. The session will highlight the importance of setting clear expectations, recognizing and celebrating volunteer contributions, and providing opportunities for growth and development.
Participants will gain practical insights into building a culture that motivates and empowers volunteers, ensuring their efforts align with the organization's mission and goals. By understanding the factors that drive volunteer engagement and satisfaction, participants will be equipped to create an environment where excellence thrives. This session will provide actionable strategies for nurturing a positive, collaborative, and high-impact volunteer culture, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness and sustainability of volunteer movements.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to independently design, implement, and adapt strategies to foster a high-performance culture within diverse volunteer organizations, ensuring strategic alignment, sustained volunteer engagement, and continuous improvement for enhanced overall effectiveness and sustainability