Thanks for checking in about Action Pods! We are launching our next round of Action Pods in August 2025! The political landscape is changing every day, and we will offer ways to take concrete action to fight for racial justice grounded in the moment. Please sign up on our interest form to more details.
What are Action Pods?
What is an Action Pod?
Action pods are a place to connect and take action, explore relational parts of whiteness, and explore your personal stake. An Action Pod is a group of 4-12 folks (called podmates) and 1-2 pod leaders who work together on a specific social or racial justice action. The pod’s project has a defined start and end date, typically lasting 3-4 months.
Why should I join an Action Pod?
Oh, there are so many reasons! Here are just a few…
- You want to build a socially and racially just future in a supportive environment
- You want to get to know people who are also committed to justice
- You want to learn about organizing and leadership skills
- You want to be an active member of SURJ, but a committee isn’t the right fit for you
Do I need to have any experience to join an Action Pod?
No, follks of any and all experience levels are welcome to join. If taking action to stand up for justice is new to you, this is a great space to build those skills with a small, supportive group of podmates.
What is the time commitment?
Generally, action pod members (podmates) commit to:
- Having a 1:1 phone call with your pod leader for an initial get-to-know-you (15-30 min)
- Attending pod gatherings once or twice a month for 3-4 months
- Each pod gathering will last 60 - 90 minutes
- Details for dates/time and whether pod gatherings will be virtual or in-person will be shared when you sign up through the interest form!
- Contributing the minimum number of hours or actions per month to the project goal
What happens during pod gatherings?
During pod gatherings:
- Pod members and pod leaders get to know each other and build community. Building relationships is essential for growing a strong movement for liberation.
- Pod members and pod leaders talk about their experiences with the actions you are all doing. This can be a great space to share feelings that come up and support each other.
- At one gathering a month a SURJ Bay Area member will discuss their own personal stake in activist work.
What is the culture of pod gatherings?
Glad you asked! Action Member Pod members and leaders agree to act in alignment with the core SURJ mission, values, and principles described here. Everyone in a pod also agrees to these Community Agreements. Please read these and make sure you to agree to them before signing up to join a pod.
What are Pod Leaders?
Who are the pod leaders?
Pod leaders are SURJ Bay Area members who have been trained in skills for supporting pod gatherings. Pod leaders are in charge of the communication and facilitation for pod gatherings.
How does someone become a pod leader?
If you are interested in being a pod leader, let us know when you fill out the form.
Pod leaders have previous experience being part of a pod organizing around social or racial justice. Additional training for pod leaders depends on a person’s background in organizing and current leadership skills.
What is the time commitment for a pod leader?
Action Pod Leaders commit to:
- Having a 1:1 phone call with each pod member for an initial get-to-know-you (15-30 min)
- Attending all pod gatherings for 2-3 months, meeting every 1-2 weeks. Each pod gathering will last 60 - 90 minutes
- 1-2 hours of work between meetings communicating with pod members about gatherings and providing support as needed
- Participating in actions between pod meetings.
Do pod leaders have support?
Yes! Every pod leader will have a coach. Your coach will help you work through any questions or concerns. They are also a great source of support for any feelings that come up while being a pod leader. Coaches schedule regular check-ins with pod leaders (typically every 2-4 weeks), but a leader can reach out to a coach any time issues arise.
Can podmates and/or leaders choose who is in their pod?
Yes, if you have 4-6 folx who want to be in a pod and 1-2 pod leaders who have already been trained, you are all set! Just have everyone in your pod fill out the form. There is a space to write in the names of folx you want to pod-up with. If you only have 1-2 buddies you’d like to be in a pod with, write their names and we will match you up with a few more folx to form your pod!
Next Action Pods Will Launch in August 2025!
We will be launching an action pod in August! Sign up now for more updates!