Highlander Center

Highlander Research and Education Center, also known as Highlander the Movement School, is a social justice education and organizing organization founded in 1932. Based in the South, it has supported community-led movements across the South, Appalachia, and beyond, connecting generations of organizers and centering the knowledge of people directly affected by social and economic challenges. Its work has contributed to labor and civil rights organizing and continues to support efforts for racial, environmental, economic, and electoral justice.

Highlander offers workshops, leadership development, political education, and practical organizing support. Programs include Seeds of Fire, which mentors and trains young activists; Electoral Justice and Economics and Governance initiatives; and cultural organizing workshops. The Septima Clark Learning Center houses a library and archive focused on Southern liberation and movement history. Highlander also runs a week-long Children’s Justice Camp for ages 6–12 and provides fiscal sponsorship and hands-on support to movement organizations. Through education, community-building, research, and organizing resources, the center works to strengthen movements and help communities build more just, equitable, and sustainable systems.