We're now just weeks away from E-Day. Voter registration deadlines are looming, or already passed. Early vote has already started in some states. The last thing most organizers are thinking about is debriefing and evaluating their work.

That's exactly why we're not just thinking about it; we're planning it. We're confident that there will be a lot to talk about after this cycle, and we want to provide the space to make that happen. And we don't want to wait too long, or let the memories of this cycle fade. That's why, on December 11-12, 2010, we're hosting National RootsCamp in Washington, D.C.

RootsCamp isn't your everyday gathering; it's an "unconference." Instead of pre-set powerpoints and panels, participants design sessions and decide the program. In the past, participants have come from all over the country, and even across the globe. We've had senior staff from national campaigns conversing with first time organizers from a local ballot initiative. It's a rare opportunity for D.C. insiders to interact directly with people fighting on the front lines, and a unique space to begin an honest discussion about what worked, what didn't, and how we grow stronger together.

It may sound a little crazy, but it's actually very simple. We gather organizers together in one place, and ask you, "what moment in the past year has taught you the most about organizing?" After that, we turn it over to you.

We provide the space and the framework, and you provide the content, sharing your experiences and learning from the work that's been done this cycle. And we're pretty sure this cycle is going to provide some new and challenging lessons from the field.

RootsCamp is a core piece of our theory of Engagement Organizing. We believe that progressive power shouldn't rise and fall dramatically with campaign cycles, or depend on seasonal funding from political campaigns. We believe we can engage people consistently and intentionally over time, and build networks that are as strong in March of an off-year as they are in the last weeks of a presidential cycle. Debriefing and evaluating our work are key to building that power. Please join us on December 11-12 in Washington, D.C. for National RootsCamp 2010!