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Strong leaders are key to strong communities. That's why the Community Foundation of NCW and partners across the region are investing in the next generation of leaders through The Leadership Institute of NCW. This program equips community members with the skills, confidence, and connections to strengthen their communities and create positive change for children, families, and future generations.

Participants gain practical leadership and civic engagement skills, including:

• How local and state government works
• How public policy impacts communities
• Understanding budgets and resource allocation
• How to effectively engage local, state, and elected leaders
• Voting and civic participation
• How to facilitate discussions and bring people together around shared goals
• How to work across diverse perspectives and experiences
• Ways to organize people and work together to improve the community

The Leadership Institute of NCW is a free bilingual (English & Spanish) 20-session leadership and civic engagement program that utilizes the nationally renowned Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) framework and curriculum. PLTI has partnered with parents and community leaders across the country for over 30 years.

While the course is provided at no cost to you, consistent participation and commitment to the full course is vital to the success of the program. Please consider whether this is the right program at the right time for you. Dinner and childcare are provided.

TRAINING

Leaders are offered four phases of training:

1. A retreat to develop group cohesion and establish a shared purpose;
2. A 10-session course on personal leadership;
3. A 10-session study of civics, policy, and media; and
4. A community project that puts learning into action to address a local need or opportunity.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Anyone (18+) with a desire to improve the lives of children, families, and communities! This includes parents, grandparents, young adults, veterans, farmers, business owners, nonprofit volunteers, and community members from all backgrounds.

Participants should be interested in learning alongside a diverse cohort of local leaders and building relationships across communities, cultures, and life experiences.

HOW TO APPLY

Application will be available in English and Spanish.

Participants will be selected from a large pool of applicants based on their interest in leadership, desire to strengthen their community for children and the next generation, and willingness to learn and collaborate within a diverse group of local leaders. Accepted applicants will be invited for an interview; class size is limited to 30.