About the PICO National Network
PICO is a national network of congregation-based community organizations. PICO's mission is to assist in the building of community organizations with the power to improve the quality of life of families and neighborhoods. PICO carries out its mission through leadership training seminars; the recruitment and development of professional community organizers; and on-going consultation and technical assistance.

Through the PICO network, people learn to participate in and influence our political system and democratic institutions. Those who were previously ignored, excluded, or apathetic become involved. People's stake in our society is made real. Family life is strengthened. The once-torn fabric of neighborhoods and communities is rewoven. At the very heart of this mission is the process of helping people to help themselves.

PICO builds new community organizations and provides technical assistance.
PICO plays an important role in the continuing expansion of the PICO Network. For new projects, PICO must raise seed money to fund the initial feasibility and organizing efforts. During subsequent stages, PICO assists in creating a sponsoring committee composed of local congregation and community leaders. Its purpose is to oversee the initial organizing effort and to establish a secure local funding base. PICO is also responsible for the recruitment of an organizer.

In short, PICO assists at each critical stage in the building of an effective community organization. Once a local organization is built, PICO continues its relationship by providing regular consultation and technical assistance. This includes on-site visits, formal assessments, and regular written and verbal communications.

PICO trains leaders.
PICO sponsors joint training for leaders drawn from all its Network organizations. This is done at the National Leadership Development Seminar which is held three times each year. This intensive 6-day seminar provides leaders with an in-depth review of the theory and practice of Congregation-based organizing.

PICO recruits and develops community organizers.
The recruitment and development process is a critical function of PICO and a key to its success. Because of the special expertise and costs involved, PICO performs this function in partnership with the local organizations. Only the most experienced community organizers are entrusted with the mentoring of apprentices. Training is undertaken at designated training sites within the Network. PICO also provides for the on-going professional development needs of its organizers and directors through its Professional Development Program. This includes an annual, week-long seminar involving all organizing staff. The second element of this program is the 3-day seminar for Network Directors.