Clay Smith

Clay Smith has worked in social justice organizing for over 30 years. He is currently an independent consultant and coach to social justice organizations and alliances. He supports them in developing strategic plans, shifting their organizational culture and structure for greater impact and sustainability, and developing effective supervision and management systems, among other areas of work. He also provides somatic coaching to organizational leaders, staff, and members. Previously, Clay was a founder and leader of Social Justice Leadership, which introduced organizers around the country to a model of transformative organizing that integrates deep personal change, impactful grassroots organizing, and political analysis. He developed and led training in all these areas, supported groups in organizational development, and coached individual leaders. He was on staff at the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition for over a decade, and served as its interim director. He also worked as an organizer at the Stamford Organizing Project, an innovative multi-union alliance. Recent consulting and coaching clients include Right to The City, Make the Road New York, Mano en Mano, United We Dream, and others. Clay lives in Upper Manhattan with his partner, son, and dog.