Training and Workshop Topics

Training Descriptions:

1.0 Training: CSPL’s introductory 1.0 training introduces participants to the following workshops that are woven together for a full-day training: The World As It Is and the Reign of God, Power, One-on-One’s and You Are Called. The day begins with an examination of the historical Jesus through a dialectical discussion about the relevance of the social, political, economic and religious forces of Jesus’ day in the 1st century as a Palestinian Jew under Roman occupation. From there we explore the theological, spiritual and political significance of power and how we effectively can build power through intentional, effective and strategic relationship building in our communities and in public life. To conclude the day, participants reflect on their particular calling as individuals and as people in community with one another and name the commitments they seek to make in acting on their values in public life. 

2.0 Training: Building off of the foundational theological and organizing concepts that were covered during the 1.0 training, our 2.0 training introduces several new concepts and methods for those seeking to organize in community with others to effectively work for social change. Those concepts that are covered include how to build effective teams in your university, parish or community, power one-on-one’s (how to meet with public officials and those in power), and social discernment and social power analysis. Team building is a cornerstone to effective organizing. It’s not enough to have impactful conversations with other people in your community who share similar values, goals and aspirations for social change. We need to build meaningful public relationships and do the work of bringing together groups of people who are committed to critically reflecting, praying, learning and acting boldly together.

3.0 Training: TBD 

Workshop Topics and Themes:

  • Catholic Social Teaching

    • Principles and Foundations of CST

    • Major Themes:

      • Solidarity

      • Life and Dignity of the Human Person

      • Call to Family, Community and Participation

      • Rights and Responsibilities

      • Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

      • The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

      • Care for God’s Creation

  • Prayer and Action – How prayer sustains and nourishes our work for social justice.

  • Jesus and Women – How we understand Jesus’ ministry with women in context of 1st century Palestine within Roman society and how that relates to us today.

  • The Spiritual, Political, Social and Economic Dimensions of Jesus, Holy Week and Palm Sunday 

  • Discernment in Community Organizing – How the Ignatian spiritual practice of discernment can be applied in the work of organizing and social justice.

  • The Historical Jesus – How our understanding of the historical Jesus can inspire and guide our work and commitment to social justice and liberation today.

  • Workshops on Major Catholic Figures

    • St. Oscar Romero

    • Dorothy Day

    • Dolores Huerta & Cesar Chavez