Ahel for Community Organizing

At Ahel, our broader good objective is to support those pursuing justice and change in the Arab world by helping them organize their power and leadership. We believe in the transformative potential of collective action, and we work to strengthen people’s ability to lead and win change in their own causes—whether for freedom, justice, or equality. We do this in three interconnected ways: we accompany community campaigns and movements in their organizing journey, we teach participatory leadership and community organizing practices both online and offline, and we connect leaders from across the region to learn from one another and act together. Our focus is always on building people’s power. When leaders and campaigns lead effectively and achieve the change they seek, that is our definition of success. In our accompaniment of campaigns, we support—not direct—the strategy, structure, and organizing efforts of groups and movements. We engage where needed to strengthen their leadership and impact, always centering their ownership and direction. Our role is to stand with leaders as they build and exercise their power for collective good. Teaching and learning are central to how we achieve our mission. Through our flagship community organizing course and other learning programs, we offer practical, participatory spaces for leaders to develop their skills in organizing, team-building, strategic action, and narrative. These programs are rooted in real experiences and grounded in the challenges our communities face. Whether through structured courses or peer learning environments, we invest in the personal and collective growth of leaders—so they can organize with clarity, courage, and commitment. We believe that learning is a political act and a source of power when it is connected to people’s lived struggles and aspirations. By connecting leaders, campaigns, and communities across the region, we help sustain a shared movement culture—one that values learning, accountability, and the belief that organized people can shape their future.