Lessons from the Ground: Next System Teach-Ins Organizer Workshop Series
Kicking off the Next System Teach-Ins Organizer Workshop Series, over 70 of us joined together from across the world to reflect on the 2025 wave of Next System Teach-Ins.
In this energetic gathering, local organizers shared their planning and organizing processes of their local Nov. 2025 Next System Teach-Ins aimed at tackling the systemic question and nurturing a more democratic, just and sustainable next system in their local communities, campuses and regions. We surfaced key lessons and advice for new organizers and discussed ideas, possibilities and plans for the April 2027 Teach-Ins.
Speakers:
Alyssa Cazier, Ben Manski, Gabriel Gonzales, George Mason University
Ana Ines, Pablo Herrera and David Burin – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Kathryn Milun, University of Duluth Minnesota
April Doner, Kelley Johnson and Howard Rosing, Chicago
Matt Burke, University of Vermont
Caroline Meyer, Arlington, Virginia
Facilitated by Deissy Perilla and April Doner, Center for Next System Studies
Topics raised through discussion included intentionally incorporating those who are currently incarcerated in NS Teach-In planning and events; what characterizes a teach-in, how on-campus organizing can strengthen inter-disciplinary exchange and collaboration; libraries as potentially natural and key partners and hubs for next system development; the value and shortcomings of traditional educational institutions; and organizing locally in ways that are inclusive and respectful of existing efforts, language, local context and ecosystems.
We also reviewed the line-up of bi-monthly workshops coming up until February, 2027 through the Next System Organizer Workshop Series.
A massive thank you to our interpreters, Adriana and Sathya of The Interpreters’ Co-op, for their critical work in ensuring that this event was accessible and honored the internationalist orientation of the Next System Teach-Ins!
WORKSHOP ARTIFACTS:
– Slides
– Information for the next workshop in June
– Crowdsourced resources (below)
TEACH-IN ORGANIZING RESOURCES
to inspire, support and inform your local organizing in your community or campus:
- NS Teach-Ins Organizing Guide
- NS Teach-In Organizing Workshop Series
- Direct consulting, coaching and connective support to local organizers is available, via coaching and connecting you with others in your area who you can partner with in your local organizing. To connect with us, email: deissy.perilla@gmail.com
- Videos: 2025 Next System Convergence & Organizing Conference, including “Introduction to the Next System Teach-Ins,” “Campuses & Communities: Sharing Teach-In plans, ideas, and questions,” and “How to Organize a Teach-In.”
INFO & INSPIRATION FROM PREVIOUS NSTI WAVES
- Videos from local 2025 NS Teach-Ins
- Report: “A Wave Across the Americas: Next System Teach-Ins”
- Articles: “Organizers at Global Teach-ins Seek Solutions and Envision What Comes Next” | “What Comes After Capitalism? Upcoming Teach-Ins Can Show a Way Forward”
CROWD-SOURCED RESOURCES
Shared by April 24 “Lessons from the Ground” workshop participants:
Related to the ongoing work of 2025 NS Teach-In organizers:
- Fairfax, Virginia: Program for the Next System Teach-In at GMU
- Duluth, Minnesota: The Solar Commons Project, Archived Teach-In Registration Page
- Chicago, IL: Engaging individuals who are incarcerated – The Institute for Restorative Educational Engagement: DePaul University – Chicago, IL (CHI), Archived Teach-In Registration Page
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: Compostando Vidas, Compostando Materia Orgánica, Compostaje Colegiales, Implicados Blog, Archived Teach-In Registration Page
Libraries as partners & hubs for system change:
- Libraries for the People
- The Librarians Film
- Tools & Resources for Libraries as Community Catalysts using Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): Tools & Resources | Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Highlighted Story: Philadelphia Neighbors Partner With Library to Uncover and Activate Local Assets (Community Catalyst Initiative)
Educational Institutions / Universities:
Weaving ecosystems and system change:
- The interstitium (the connective tissue within the body)
- The Kola Nut Collaborative
- Open Space World (participatory facilitation tool used in Chicago, IL)
- Global Tapestry of Alternatives: Global Tapestry of Alternatives
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To learn about and register for upcoming workshops, see the NSTI Organizer Workshop Series.