The Campaign Lab

About The Campaign Lab

The Campaign Lab (The Lab) empowers NEA affiliates to build high-participation locals. Participating locals engage in internal and external organizing campaigns.  

What The Lab Provides

• Free Training: Expert-led sessions by the NEA and partners, including the UC Berkeley Labor Center and the Midwest Academy.
• Peer Coaching: Direct support from an experienced, rank-and-file peer coach.
• Collaborative Community: A supportive network of locals driving member engagement through active campaigns.
• Campaign Grants: Grant funding to power your local campaigns.

What You Will Gain

Through strategic support and training, participants will learn how to:

• Move from two or three members doing everything to a high participation membership.
• Establish a unified framework for local organizing.
• Master essential skills like team building, campaign planning, and restructuring your local for high participation.
• Navigate the broader political context impacting your work.
• Build solidarity with labor leaders and community organizations nationwide.  

Eligibility & Campaign Examples

NEA local affiliates are eligible to apply. Successful applicants must have a clear local issue they want to address or an existing campaign they wish to join. Applicants will also need to have the support of their local affiliate for their work in the Campaign Lab.

Example campaign focus areas include:

• School Resources: Advocating for universal school meals, Community School policies, or increased district/state revenue.
• Defending Public Education: Opposing school closures, resisting book bans, and fighting private school vouchers.
• Worker Rights: Pushing for an ESP Bill of Rights, year-round employment, or higher minimum wage.
• School Board Elections: Advocating for pro-public education candidates.
• Coalition Building: Organizing Bargaining for the Common Good campaigns (e.g., affordable housing).  

Participant Requirements

To fully benefit from The Lab, accepted locals must commit to the following:

• Form a Diverse Team: Build a team with a minimum of 5 members. Teams can include union members and local affiliate staff. We strongly encourage teams that reflect the diversity of the people they want to organize, including ethnicity, gender, age, and job classification.
• Engage in Coaching: Coordinate with your assigned state affiliate, collaborate with your coach to design a strategic plan, and participate in ongoing coaching.
• Show Up & Execute: Attend all Campaign Lab training sessions, participate in monthly network all-calls, and successfully execute your campaign.  

How to Apply

Ready to build a more powerful local?

Click here to apply now

Campaign Lab FAQ

Campaign Lab Grant Guidelines