Our Story
Our approach blends storytelling, research, and peer learning to spark new ideas and strengthen grassroots efforts worldwide.
About us
World Organizing Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to building skills, knowledge, and collaboration among community leaders around the world. We believe the most powerful solutions come from people working together across cultures and borders.
Our main program, No Borders, is an international collaboration of civic leaders, researchers, storytellers, and artists. Through storytelling, research, and exchange programs, we connect organizers to share strategies, learn from one another, and strengthen their communities.
All of our work is nonpartisan and focused on education, training, and capacity building—helping leaders develop the tools, networks, and confidence to create lasting, positive change.
History & Accomplishments
Since 2022, World Organizing Institute’s flagship program, No Borders, has brought together community leaders, artists, and storytellers from around the globe to learn from one another through cultural exchange and educational storytelling. In our first year, we participated in a three-day exchange in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. State Department’s Community Solutions Program, welcoming civic leaders from over 80 countries. We then joined 200 leaders in Spain for panels and workshops, traveled to Romania and Belgium to recruit members, presented at the European Parliament, and shared our storytelling work on their internal streaming platform.
In 2023, we partnered with the European Parliament to bring a group of Chicago youth leaders to Strasbourg, France, where they led democracy workshops, participated in leadership panels, and shared resources with more than 8,000 EU community leaders. That year, our co-founders also visited Europe and North Africa to build relationships for future exchanges. Through online platforms, we continue to connect leaders with grants, training opportunities, and cultural knowledge from around the world.
Our exchanges are documented through educational storytelling; Archiving the lived experiences of leaders from across the globe. These stories explore topics in sociology, culture, and leadership, preserving them for future generations while inspiring present day community building.
Looking Ahead
We will continue to connect members worldwide to share and apply what they learn in their local communities. Future exchanges will be led by young leaders, artists, and storytellers, supported by our co founders and consultants. Chicago will remain our home base for fundraising and compliance, while our programs expand across continents. Guided by our values, centering joy and healing, embracing all cultures, and practicing equity. We will keep building the skills, networks, and understanding needed for stronger, more connected communities.