The encounters and conversations that forge our Alliance - Reflections from Sydney Alliance's Training

Years ago, the Sydney Alliance ran its flagship training under the grand name of "Alliance Building Institutes." While we eventually swapped the title for something more straightforward, "Foundations of Community Organising," the original name held a deeper truth: our trainings are more than just information. They're about the experience in the room—the encounters and conversations that forge our Alliance.

Sydney Alliance's a 2-day Foundations in Community Organising Training (25 & 26 August, 2025) was a powerful reminder of this. At each course there's a memorable moment that crystallises a core principle, like power, tension, or the common good. For me, it came on Monday morning when an older, experienced leader shared his story. He spoke of his family's journey, from struggling with inconsistent income to finally buying a house in the '90s. Then he described the paradox of a skyrocketing property market: watching as friends and family were priced out of his neighbourhood, leading to an unexpected loss of community.

After sharing his grief, he looked out at the trainees, some of them much younger and said, "It's not your fault."

The simplicity of that statement was profound. Many in the room, dealing with their own struggles with rental insecurity or poor-quality housing, were visibly moved. This single, honest exchange cut through the noise of intergenerational conflict and social media blame.

It reminded us, in a concrete way, of why we act relationally – to weave diverse self-interests into real solidarity, for the good of everyone.

Around 40 leaders gathered for the latest Foundations of Community Organising Course. It was a rich 2 days, with many participants making plans to use relational organising in their own organisations and to lead in the upcoming Listening Campaign. Here are some reflections from those who were there:

The Foundations 2-day training equipped me with practical tools I can immediately apply, helping me move forward with clarity and action rather than feeling stuck or uncertain about next steps. It was also a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded people in the field and strengthen a network committed to collective action.

This training has completely re-shaped and re-framed my approach to changemaking, even as someone who has worked as community organiser for a few years. I can now be more deliberate and intentional in my approach and actions, and therefore more effective...

Building a relationship starts with sharing your story. Understanding who you are, what brings you here and what moved you to take the first step, is the start of everything.

A big thank you to the team of trainers and small group leaders from Wesley Mission, Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, Better Renting, Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, Parramatta Mission, Jesuit Refugee Service, Baptist Care and Leichhardt Uniting Church. We had a last minute unavoidable change of venue – a particular shout out to our original hosts, Uniting Church Sydney Presbytery, who stood ready to welcome us, and our new venue United Workers Union Glebe, who stepped up when we needed it!