At Groundwork Institute, we’re training the next generation of movement organizers.
Lasting social change starts at the grassroots—with the people, communities, and movements where we live. But too often, those on the front lines of justice work lack the resources, training, or support to lead effectively and sustainably.
Groundwork Institute exists to build a lasting infrastructure for grassroots organizing by training the next generation of movement leaders. By providing high-impact political education, hands-on training, and leadership development, our model works to ensure local movements are not only powerful—but strategic, sustainable, and built to win.
If we are committed to building strength in our communities and winning the issues we care about, we need strong, skilled, and strategic grassroots leadership. Groundwork Institute is here to build the pipeline of leaders for lasting change from the ground up.
Groundwork Institute is a 501c3 organization. Make a tax-deductible gift to support our work.
Our Mission
Groundwork Institute equips local leaders–community organizers, policy advocates, and more–with the skills needed to build community power, challenge oppressive systems, and ensure that institutions prioritize the needs of our communities.
Our Vision
We envision a Minnesota where every community has the power, leadership, and tools to shape its future, where grassroots power is not just about winning elections but about transforming communities for the better. The Groundwork Institute will be the foundation of this vision, training a new generation of leaders who can govern, organize, and build the infrastructure needed for long-term justice.
Our Leadership
Groundwork Institute is led by its founder, Wintana Melekin.
Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Melekin has over a decade of experience passing policy, and advocating for civil rights at the local and national level. She became a community organizer after attending a protest for Trayvon Martin in 2012. Melekin has been deeply invested in movement building ever since. Her work spans successfully electing champions for justice into local, state, and federal offices to leading voting rights coalitions to restore the vote and end prison gerrymandering in Minnesota. Melekin is a believer in a representative democracy where everyone’s voice is heard regardless of race, religion, class, or sexual orientation. She centers her life around the creation of joy and fighting for justice, and Groundwork Institute is an extension of that philosophy in action.