Educating and Empowering Community Members for Civic Leadership in NCW

---

Apply Here in English Aplicar aquí en español Download a Brochure (English) Haz Clic Aquí Para Información en Español

Application Now Closed for Grant County for Fall 2025

Deadline: June 30

Strong leaders are key to strong communities. That’s why the Community Foundation of NCW is taking a proactive role in training our next generation of leaders by launching The Leadership Institute of NCW to empower community members to become advocates for children, families, and communities. This program helps participants develop the civic skills necessary to connect with local government, analyze civic issues, and bring about change.

Participants benefit by acquiring tools that include:

• How local and state government works
• What public policy is
• Understanding budgets and resource allocations
• Ways to reach local, state, and elected leaders
• Voting and why it matters
• How to lead group discussions and gather ideas
• How to work within diversity in the community
• Ways to empower the community

The Leadership Institute of NCW is a bilingual (Spanish & English) 20-session training 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. Family dinner and childcare is provided.

TRAINING

Leaders are offered four phases of training:

• A retreat to develop group cohesion and define mission;
• A 10-session course on personal leadership;
• A 10-session study of civics, policy, and media; and
• A community project to practice the learning within a community context.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Anyone (18+) with a desire to improve the lives of children, families, and communities! This includes parents, grandparents, foster parents, single people, young adults, veterans, and community members. Participants must be interested in learning within a diverse cohort of local leaders.

HOW TO APPLY

Application will be available in English and Spanish.

Participants will be selected from a large pool of applicants based on those who have an interest in leadership, seek to improve the community for the sake of children and the next generation, and are interested in learning within a group of diverse leaders. Accepted applicants will be invited for an interview; class size is limited to 30.

CLASS SCHEDULE

• Location: City Council Chambers, Ephrata City Hall. Childcare and meals will be held at the Ephrata Recreation Center.
• Times: Weekly classes September 2025 – January 2026
• Retreat: Saturday, September 20, 2025
• NOTE: Retreat is mandatory and you cannot miss more than 3 sessions during the course to graduate (Saturday classes are 2 sessions in one day).

Session	Session Title
Sat, Sept 20, 2025	RETREAT Creating a Caring Community
Tues, Sept 23, 2025	Thriving with Diversity in the Group Process
Tues, Sept 30, 2025	The Change Process
Tues, Oct 7, 2025	Community Members as Change Agents
Sat, Oct 11, 2025	How to Investigate a Program and World Toward a Solution: Intentional Use of Language, Context, and Frameworks
Tues, Oct 14, 2025	Learning How a Community Works
Tues, Oct 21, 2025	How Local Systems Work and How to Interact with Them
Tues, Oct 28, 2025	Networks and Coalitions
Tues, Nov 4, 2025	The Power of Media and How to Use it
Tues, Nov 11, 2025	Using Your Voice
Sat, Nov 15, 2025	Social and Economic Trends Affecting Children, Families, and Community
Tues, Nov 18, 2025	What is Public Policy?
Tues, Dec 2, 2025	How the State Works
Tues, Dec 9, 2025	How the City Works
Tues, Dec 16, 2025	How We Understand the Law
Tues, Jan 6, 2026	Budgets – From Wallets to State
Sat, Jan 10, 2026	Evaluation, Outcomes, and Accountability: The Magic of the Unexpected: Forming New Alliances
Tues, Jan 13, 2026	Language: Packaging and Moving Agendas + Community Project Presentations
GRADUATION DATE TBD

Leadership Institute of NCW 2025 Graduates & Community Projects Click Here to Read About the Formation of the Leadership Institute of NCW and its Partners

Xitlali Cruz

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

I am currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Stanford. Since the beginning of my freshman year I have been involved with clubs such as Stanford’s Space Initiative (SSI) and the Society of Latinx Engineers (SOLE). In SSI I built a rocket and launched it.

Aero Methow Rescue Service

GRANT RECIPIENT

Due to being rural, remote, and geographically isolated, we must be prepared to do more than respond to emergencies. We have become a healthcare partner who fills gaps in service. The grant allowed our board the time and ability to work with a Strategic Planner to modify our plan to address those gaps.

Chelan Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services

GRANT RECIPIENT

The grant provided funds to hire a Housing Justice and Outreach Coordinator to visit rural and underserved areas. Rosie’s bilingual and bicultural skills and experience have increased equity of service. Rosie is building partnerships with local organizations through events such as the Columbia Valley Community Health’s Back to School Drive, as well as posting yard signs.

Tenoch Mandujano

Scholarship Recipient

My father was a migrant agricultural worker who eventually started his own cherry and apple orchard. He told me if I wanted to live a better life, I had to get an education. I plan on starting a career with the Chelan PUD with a passion for renewable energy and in turn give back to my parents and community for supporting my dreams.

$0 M

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

$0 M

GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

0+

CHARITABLE FUNDS

FOUNDATION FACTS

ANNUAL REPORT