YOUTH ORGANIZING COHORT
Faith in Action North Carolina is launching a Summer Youth Organizing Cohort to engage 6 teens in the core tools of faith-based community organizing: one-to-one relational meetings, community surveys, and neighborhood canvassing.
Cohort Size:
6 teens (ages 15–21)
Duration: 6 weeks, Fall 2026
Lead Organization: Faith in Action North Carolina
Model Partner: Kinston Teens
WHAT TEENS WILL DO
Learn and practice the relational one-to-one meetings, the backbone of faith-based organizing
Conduct 5–10 one-to-ones each with community members, congregation leaders, and neighbors
Identify shared values, concerns, and potential leaders through structured listening
One-to-Ones
Co-design surveys to identify priority neighborhood issues (housing, safety, health, education)
Administer surveys door-to-door and in congregational settings
Analyze and synthesize findings into a written community report
Community Surveys
Learn canvassing best practices inspired by Kinston Teens' neighborhood engagement work
Canvas target blocks to build a community power map and deepen relationships
Represent Faith in Action's values of dignity, inclusion, and moral leadership in every door knock
Canvassing
SUMMER TIMELINE
PHASE 1: ORIENTATION
Weeks 1–2:
Training in one-to-ones, survey design & canvassing protocols
Relationship-building within the cohort
Values & storytelling workshop (FIA model)
PHASE 2: FIELDWORK
Weeks 3–4:
Conduct community one-to ones (goal: 5–10 per teen)
Administer neighborhood surveys on priority issues
Weekly reflection circles & skill debriefs
PHASE 3: ACTION
Weeks 5–6:
Canvassing blitz in target
Synthesize data into a community findings report
Present to Faith in Action leaders & congregation
WHAT TEENS GAIN
Paid stipend
Hands-on training in relational organizing, public speaking, and data collection
Mentorship from Faith in Action staff and Kinston Teens leadership
A cohort of peers committed to justice and their community
Leadership skills transferable to school, college, career, and civic life