Direct Action and Research Training Center

The Direct Action and Research Training Center (DART) provides training and consultation for its affiliated congregation-based community organizations, in the tradition pioneered by the Industrial Areas Foundation. Founded in 1982, DART is headquartered in Miami, Florida. As of 2008, DART has 20 affiliated organizations in six states. John Calkins is the executive director.

History

In 1977 the United Church of Christ’s Homeland Ministries Board hired John Calkins to organize a senior citizens organization in Miami. Concerned Seniors of Dade helped organize African American congregations in Miami following a three-day riot in 1980. The DART Center was incorporated in 1982 to build a statewide network of congregation-based organizations throughout Florida, and Calkins was hired as executive director. In the 1990s DART was invited to help build organizations in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. And in the 2000s, DART added organizations in Virginia and Indiana.

Governance

DART has a ten-person board of directors, and four professional national staff.

Current program

DART affiliates typically have a broad agenda of issues, including public education improvement, crime and drug reform, healthcare provisions, affordable housing, economic opportunity, accessible public transportation, neighborhood revitalization, minority rights, and youth and elderly services.

Training

DART holds five-day national leaders workshops twice a year for local leaders, and an annual three-day national clergy conference. The DART Organizers Institute, established in 2001, conducts an annual four-month training program for organizers beginning each June. Since 1982 DART has trained over 10,000 community leaders and 150 professional organizers.

Affiliates

DART has ten affiliates in Florida, four in Ohio, two each in Virginia and Kentucky, and one each in Michigan and Indiana. DART and affiliates employ some 35 professional organizers.

DART affiliates with web pags are listed below.

• People Acting for Community Together (PACT) – Miami, Florida
• Tallahassee Equality Action Ministry (TEAM) – Tallahassee, Florida
• Interfaith Movement Promoting Action by Congregations Together (IMPACT) – Charlottesville, Virginia

Notes

External links

• DART Center website