REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE TRAINING PROGRAM

OVERVIEW – 2011

SisterSong offers comprehensive and in-depth Reproductive Justice trainings for organizations and individual activists who want to 1) Understand the Reproductive Justice framework; 2) Apply the Reproductive Justice framework; and 3) Expand the Reproductive Justice framework. The differences between the three types of trainings are detailed below.

SisterSong trainings are excellent opportunities for activists and organizations who desire to use the Reproductive Justice (RJ) framework in their work and campaigns with a specific focus on learning and integrating human rights standards in RJ activism and advocacy. We offer a broad array of training topics suitable for many audiences, and we can tailor trainings for specific needs. Our primary goal is to make RJ accessible to as many people as possible, so please call us to discuss your needs and we’ll probably be able to help you or refer you to other trainers among our large base of activists. To discuss your training needs, please contact Loretta Ross ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

The subjects under each learning objective are separate modules. When planning a training offered by SisterSong, you may select the level of training most appropriate for your audience. RJ 101 Level 1 training is an introductory prerequisite for subsequent 102 and 103 levels. If this is your first SisterSong training, an RJ 101 Level 1 training is required to build basic familiarity with the foundational concepts of RJ, before requesting an RJ 102 or 103 training. Please keep in mind that most RJ trainings are intense, day-long seminars, but shorter sessions may be arranged.

After an RJ 101 training, participants are then prepared for RJ 102 and RJ 103 Levels. For these training levels, participants are encouraged to select which modules are most appropriate for their work. Please select no more than 3 from each level. SisterSong may advise you on which and how many modules are possible within the local time, resources and personnel constraints. RJ 102 and RJ 103 modules can only be offered to participants who have already received RJ 101 training. If the desire is for multi-level trainings (i.e, RJ 101 + RJ 102), then 2- or 3-day trainings must be planned and pre-approved by SisterSong.

Level 1: RJ 101 -- Understanding Reproductive Justice

Learning Objectives: Participants should be able to articulate their understanding of RJ both in SisterSong’s words and in their own way. This level of training will affirm familiarity with the core concepts of RJ including:

1. 3 Core Principles of RJ
2. Reproductive Oppression
3. Human Rights
4. Intersectionality
5. Self-Help
6. Reproductive Health, Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Justice

Level 2: RJ 102 -- Applying Reproductive Justice

Learning Objectives: Participants should be able to work to persuade others about the value of embracing the RJ framework by learning advanced techniques of RJ 101 trainings, self-help, conflict resolution, and organizational integration. They should also feel capable of providing RJ 101 trainings to others. Primary topics can include:

1. RJ 101 Training Techniques (required)
2. Issue Inclusiveness
3. Developing Values & Mission Statements with RJ
4. Achieving Stakeholder Buy-in
5. Building Unity through Self-Help
6. Conflict Resolution through RJ
7. Coalition Building through RJ
8. Dealing with Mainstream Organizations
9. Empowerment of Women of Color
10. Problematizing RJ – Dealing with Naysayers, Skeptics and Critics
11. Freedom vs. Responsibilities and Human Rights
12. Standards for Evaluating RJ

Level 3: RJ 103 -- Expanding RJ

Learning Objectives: Participants should be able to develop additional RJ training tools, modules and models for working with communities that do not primarily focus on RJ issues in their work. This section also entails expanding to other sectors such as public officials, the media, funders, etc. Central components for this can include:

1. Culturally-specific RJ Modules (Native American, Middle Eastern/North African, etc.)
2. Sector/Issue-specific RJ Modules (i.e., Environmental Justice, Immigration, etc.)
3. Disability Rights & RJ
4. Youth & Older Modules
5. LGBTQ Modules
6. Creating Intersectional Modules
7. Public Policy Development & RJ
8. Media Strategies, Communications & RJ
9. Policy Advocacy and RJ
10. Funding and Development Strategies using RJ
11. Using Advanced Technology for RJ Trainings

Audience Size & Facilities

The ideal audience for RJ trainings is 10-20 participants, but accommodations can be made to include more participants if additional SisterSong trainers are available, upon approval by SisterSong. The audience does not have to be limited to women of color; allies and men are welcome, unless the local host organization desires otherwise. All training facilities should be comfortable, accessible for people with disabilities, and relatively uninterrupted. A “hollow square” table arrangement or “u-shaped” table arrangement is preferred. The host organization is responsible for childcare, food, and local transportation for the participants. Pre-registration is required to estimate the audience size and facilities needed. SisterSong will provide sign-in sheets will be provided and share them with the local host organization.

Audio-Visual Requirements

Each training includes PowerPoint presentations, participatory activities, small group exercises, and lectures. Depending on the module(s) selected, you may be required to provide computer equipment, screen, internet access, flip charts and pens, and post-it notepads. SisterSong does have our own computer and PowerPoint projector we can bring, upon request, if the host organization provides the screen. SisterSong will provide an electronic copy of all PowerPoint presentations so that the local group may make copies for the participants. SisterSong will also provide additional handouts, such as folders, newsletters and membership applications. Please advise us how many to provide and this information will be shipped before the training so that additional local information and copies of PowerPoint presentation can be included in the folders.

Time Requirements

Trainings are usually a minimum of 3 hours, but 9-5 schedules are preferred. SisterSong can also provide longer or shorter presentations on any module to fit into a conference or meeting schedule. By definition, presentations are lectures that do not provide the same quality or depth provided in a full-length training. Each training can include pre- and post-training assessments as well as participant evaluations.

Training Fees

All travel is coach-class and travel policies are available from SisterSong upon request. Presentation fees are negotiable, but start at $2000 + travel. Workshops at conferences are $2000 + travel. Multiple workshops and/or presentations are permitted for additional fees. SisterSong member organizations may request reduced fees that are negotiated upon request. Member organizations must be in good standing before requesting reduced fees. To join SisterSong, visit our website at www.sistersong.net.

Trainers

SisterSong has a wide variety of excellent trainers available to meet your needs. Our principal trainer is Loretta Ross, National Coordinator. Our training team also includes Laura Jimenez, Deputy Coordinator (available for trainings in Spanish); Heidi Williamson, Advocacy and Membership Coordinator (specializing in trainings for Youth, Religious and Labor organizations); and Serena Garcia (specializing in Communications and Organizational Development). We also have available many other SisterSong members who may be available from your geographical area, issue area, age group, or based on identity needs (gender identity, disability, older women, scholars, etc.). The number of trainers required depends on the size of the audience, the content of the training, and the primary language of the training. For a Spanish-language training, please plan on at least two SisterSong trainers.

Next Steps

1. Contact SisterSong to discuss your training. You may email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you may call 404-756-2680.
2. Assess your capacity to sponsor a training by filling out a Pre-Training Survey SisterSong will provide.
3. Recruit training participants.
4. Arrange travel, logistics, and audio-visual needs.
5. Have fun!