Who We Are

The Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO, pronounced "C-2") is a racial-justice organization dedicated to building a social-justice movement led by people of color. We were established in 1980 as a training and resource center that promotes and sustains direct-action organizing in communities of color in the United States. CTWO provides organizer training programs, including the model Movement Activist Apprenticeship Program (MAAP) and builds an active network of organizations and activists of color to achieve racial justice in its fullest dimensions.

Our Mission
CTWO is a racial justice organization led by people of color whose mission is to achieve social and economic justice.

Our Vision
CTWO envisions the creation of a just and equitable society in which communities of color are active participants in the creation of decisions and policies that shape their lives.

Our Goals
To achieve social and economic justice, CTWO strives to shift the balance of political, economic, and communicative power by bringing the voices of poor people of color to the decision-making table. CTWO works to:

o Forge links between various communities of color to address the common problems of poverty and disenfranchisement;

o Increase the pool of highly-trained, race-conscious organizers of color to work for community and labor organizations that contribute to the long-term struggle for racial and social justice.

o Strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations to develop and implement effective organizing campaigns that attack the root causes of inequality and oppression.

o Promote race-based analysis and its application to local and global struggles for economic and social equity.

Our Operating Principles
CTWO's operating principles are based on its core values of supporting individuals and communities of color in the pursuit of social, economic and racial equality. We will:

o Develop intellectually rigorous analysis for the social and racial justice movement.

o Lead the fight for racial justice with courage, heart, and integrity.

o Listen to the concerns of impacted communities and forge strategies that honor the diversity of perspectives, culture, experiences and history.

o Develop model innovative programs that challenge the status quo, are inclusive of low-income communities, and accountable to the constituents served.

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