Trainings & Workshops
We offer trainings on democratic rights and community rights, and the rights of nature.
Our training workshops are available for communities, NGOs, lawyers, academics, activists, and government officials around the world. See below for more information. To schedule a training, please contact us.
We also offer legal training on the rights of nature. Watch the training here.
Rights of Nature 101:
An Introduction to the Rights of Nature
This free one-hour training webinar will focus on the concept of legally enforceable Rights of Nature, and will trace the development of Rights of Nature laws and court decisions around the world. This will include efforts currently underway across the United States and around the globe to enact and enforce local and national laws recognizing rights of ecosystems and nature. This webinar will feature a presentation by our staff, and will include time for questions and discussion. It is intended for communities and groups in the U.S. interested in learning about the Rights of Nature movement, and how to implement it in their own town or city.
Rights of Nature 201:
How to Advance a Rights of Nature Law in My Community or State
This free three-hour training webinar is intended for groups and communities in the United States that want to develop and advance a Rights of Nature law in their community, region, or state. The webinar will focus on how to draft a local or state law, and the process for adopting the law, including through citizen-sponsored ballot initiatives, as well as working with your city council or town meeting. In addition, this training will focus on how to talk about Rights of Nature laws, including frequently asked questions (FAQs). This webinar will be customized for your community or group to focus on the particular laws in place in your state and community.
Advanced Trainings
We are also offering a more advanced webinar training, for communities, groups, activists, and leaders around the world that are seeking to build campaigns to advance the Rights of Nature and democratic rights. This free training workshop will provide a deeper journey through Rights of Nature laws, tactics used by opponents seeking to block the protection of nature, campaign strategies to advance lawmaking and policy campaigns, along with state and nation-specific information about enacting and enforcing such laws.
Community Rights 101:
An Introduction to Community and Democratic Rights
This free one-hour training webinar will focus on: the history of community rights organizing in the United States, where hundreds of communities have adopted community rights ordinances and charter amendments; the history and legal impact of the constitutional right of local, community self-government; an exploration of legal doctrines used to try to block communities from exercising their right to local democracy; and customized legal options for those who want to advance community rights laws. This webinar will feature a presentation by CDER Senior Legal Counsel Thomas Linzey, Esq., and will include time for questions and discussion.
Who should attend: Grassroots organizations, community groups, activists, local leaders, municipal officials, and lawyers who are interested in how to protect the environment, advance social and racial justice, and organize in their communities.