We train and build the capacity of individuals, middle-range influencers, and civil society leaders from marginalized groups to participate in decision making and change policies that affect their lives. These include people who are made vulnerable because of their unequal economic, social or political status.

We promote the role of civil society organizations by strengthening the link between academic institutions and communities. Through this we provide advanced level training to leaders of civil society, evidencing unique abilities and experience in the field of grassroots community social work.

We provide training opportunities that use an active learning process focused on honing traditional knowledge for creating civic community work and political and social justice. Our trainees work within and between communities to develop projects and provide services to solve social problems. 

Guided by the belief that knowledge produced by the community will be used by the community, we conduct participatory action research to inform our training and practice. This recognizes the knowledge held within communities and places community members as equal partners in the solution creation process.