The SYRF Regional Training Institute (RTI) is back for the 2009-2010 academic year and better than ever. The RTI is an activist and organizing training program that will take place in Washington, DC and San Francisco, CA. The dates for the trainings will be announced in August, 2009.
Each training will feature intensive skills sessions preparing participants to galvanize community support for reproductive justice in a faithful context. Trainings will be led by experts in the fields of organizing, religion, and reproductive justice. Session topics include event planning, communications, theology, personal leadership development, and more. Download the schedule from a training last year to get a feel for what we've got in the works.
SYRF covers up to $300 for transportation to the Regional Training Institute. All food and hotel costs are covered for accepted participants. We welcome both alumni of past Institutes and first time participants. We’ll have special programming for different levels of experience.
SYRF Institute participants had rave reviews for past trainings:
"This was one of the most intense and satisfying experiences of my young adult life-it incorporated everything that is most important to me as a method of reaching a goal about which I am very passionate. I met people that I never would have known existed, and learned invaluable facts that I will use for years to come."
"Thank you all so much for the wonderful opportunity to learn, create, and inspire others. I have taken this experience to heart, and I am better for it."
"I absolutely adored the interfaith panel discussion at the conference, and the lobby experience during the 2nd day. These are both going to translate into practical skills I will be able to use in future activism."
Regional Training FAQs
Logistics
Where and when will the trainings take place?
Trainings will take place in Washington, DC during the Fall 2009 semester and in San Francisco, CA during the Spring 2010 semester. Dates will be announced shortly.
How much does it cost to attend a training? Trainings are free of cost to admitted participants. SYRF will also subsidize travel expenses up to $300. In exchange for participating in a training, all participants must take the "SYRF Activist Pledge." How do I find out the specific location of each training within the host city? Admitted participants will be sent directions to specific training locations.
Where will I sleep during a SYRF Regional Training? SYRF has reserved hotel rooms for each participant. Most rooms will be double occupancy.
Will I have free time explore the host city? Yes, but not much. The Regional Training Institute schedule is packed with skills trainings, breakout sessions with religious experts, and networking time with high level experts.
Applications
When are applications due? Application due dates will be announced when training dates are announced, in August 2009.
I am not a student. Can I still participate? The Regional Training Institute is open to anyone ages 16-30. The trainings will focus on campus and community activism. If you are young, spiritual, and pro-choice, you are encouraged to apply! Should I apply for the training closest to me? Join us for the training closest to your campus or community OR apply for the training that best fits your schedule.
I am new to the SYRF program, should I apply? Yes! The SYRF Regional Training Institute is for experienced SYRF activists and for people looking to learn the skills needed share faithful/pro-choice views with their community.
I attended a SYRF training last year, should I apply again? Yes! Because this is the second year of the Institute, we will be offering special programming for RTI "alumni," too!
I work with one of SYRF’s partner organizations and I am interested in attending a training. I have never done anything with SYRF. Should I apply? Yes! SYRF works with activists from all communities and is eager include you in one of our trainings.
Should I tell my friends about the SYRF Regional Training Institute? Yes! Share a link to www.syrf.org and encourage them to apply too. We aim involve more than one student from a particular community in the trainings.
Program I am not religious. Will I feel uncomfortable attending a training? No, SYRF works with all pro-choice youth and young adults. Your perspective will be highly valued and you are strongly encouraged to apply.
Can I see the schedule from a past training? Yes, download one here. (PDF)
Sponsorship
What is SYRF? Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom (SYRF) educates, organizes and empowers youth and young adults (ages 16-30) to put their faith into action and advocate for pro-choice social justice. SYRF is a program of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Click here to go to the RCRC website.
What is the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice? The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice brings the moral power of religious communities to ensure reproductive choice through education and advocacy. The Coalition seeks to give clear voice to the reproductive issues of people of color, those living in poverty, and other underserved populations.
Regional Training Institute