Spokane Hosts Regional Training to Build Power Across the Pacific Northwest

Last week, thirty-six attendees from across the Pacific Northwest convened in Spokane for the Industrial Areas Foundation Pacific Regional Training, hosted by our affiliate, Spokane Alliance. Participants travelled from as far as White Salmon, Yakima, Seattle, and Missoula to deepen their understanding of public relationships, negotiation, and the exercise of power—core elements of broad-based organising.

The training opened with a powerful grounding session led by Dr. Margo Hill, a Spokane Tribal member and professor of Urban Planning at Eastern Washington University. Drawing from her background as a tribal attorney, court judge, and community planner, Dr. Hill rooted the group in the local history of land, sovereignty, and leadership, challenging attendees to reflect on the responsibilities of organising on Native land and in diverse communities.

Over the course of the multi-day training, a six-person training team guided participants through sessions on self-interest, public narrative, and institutional power, equipping them with tools to lead within their organisations and coalitions. Attendees represented unions, faith communities, and community-based organisations including Transitions, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, IBEW Local 73, Fuse Washington, Westminster UCC, We Are West Central Spokane, and the Sydney Alliance, among others.

The training was not only a space for learning but for relationship-building. Participants left with a renewed sense of commitment to collective action and a broader network of leaders working across cities and sectors. In a time of increasing economic pressure and political instability, the gathering was a clear reminder that organised people, grounded in shared values, can build the power needed to effect lasting change.

IAF Pacific celebrates the leadership of Spokane Alliance and all participating organisations for their investment in grassroots capacity and strategic development. As our network grows, trainings like these ensure we remain grounded in relational power, democratic practice, and the pursuit of the common good.