The Root Causes Network
CRC actively provides nonprofits with ongoing training and relationship building with policy groups that are needed to move their advocacy work forward. Direct service nonprofits and policy groups often work to address the same complex social challenges and ultimately serve many of the same communities. However, their work is often siloed; this divide can result in transactional relationships and policies that may not fully meet the needs of the community.
1. Provide ongoing education and skills building to help direct service nonprofits increase their capacity to offer civic engagement and voter resources to their communities.
Program Overview
Communities gain a powerful voice in the policy decisions that affect them when the nonprofit sector is empowered and trained to fully exercise its political power and influence. The individual power of people combined with the collective power of the sector helps create healthy and just communities for all.
CRC is committed to building an inclusive Network which prioritizes organizations rooted within and serving communities of color and led by people of color, and strives to build a movement that is reflective of Colorado’s diversity. CRC is also committed to building a Network that is grounded in principles of social justice and believes in advancing systems-change using an equity lens. Now, more than ever, it is important for our networks to connect and activate in a spirit of allyship and mutual support.
Core Values
- Connectedness
- Equity
- Integrity
- Justice
- Boldness
Membership Benefits
- Bi-monthly Network meetings that bring together direct-service and policy groups.
- Chance to engage with fellow direct services nonprofits who are committed to civic engagement.
- Opportunities to build relationships with those in the policy field.
- Customizable Resource Library of templates and materials and tailored coaching to support civic engagement efforts for network members.
- Access to tools, trainings, and one-on-one support to offer voter engagement activities.
- Discount for the Colorado Grants Guide® with over 1200 funder and grant profiles.
- Discounts for CRC state-wide and advocacy trainings, including Virtual Funder Round Tables and new Civic Engagement Skills Track.
Testimonials from RCN Members
“This work has strengthened trust, built leadership within our community, and amplified the voices of those most impacted by policy decisions.”
“No one else is doing this work at the same level, across so many counties, and with such trusted relationships.”
“CRC is the bridge between advocacy and service delivery.”
“CRC is not trying to shape the way nonprofits do advocacy but provides resources and shares models to help them integrate those resources in a way that makes sense with their programming.”
“Through CRC, we’ve received a unique combination of capacity-building support and community connection that we haven’t experienced elsewhere. Unlike other programs, CRC’s support feels deeply rooted in understanding local context, and the relationships we’ve built through this network continue to shape our growth and sustainability.”
“Without CRC, our work would plateau. It takes years to build this trust and network.”
Membership Expectations
Social Justice: The Network is committed to promoting social justice and interested in helping member organizations move policies forward that reduce poverty and promote equity among disenfranchised groups.
Client Engagement: Members of the Network are committed to authentic constituent engagement in their ongoing advocacy efforts.
Participation: Member organizations must commit to attending 75% of Network meetings.
Nonpartisanship: All Network activities are nonpartisan. Your organization commits to following the spirit as well as the letter of IRS law that covers 501(c)(3) activities.
Payment: There is an annual membership fee, assessed on a sliding-scale based on organizational budget size.