NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR SECOND CLASS

United Way of Summit County’s (UWSC) Neighborhood Leadership Institute is seeking participants for the second class which kicks off at the end of February, 2010. The Institute – coordinated by Devoe Johnson, UWSC’s Senior Manager of Community Impact – is a community collaborative designed to increase grassroots leadership engagement in the community. The goal is to train and empower local residents and community leaders, allowing them to promote positive changes in their own community.

Up to 24 men and women from neighborhoods throughout Summit County will be chosen to participate in the program. The cost for the program is $550, and scholarships may be available for individuals who can show need.

The Institute begins with an overnight retreat hosted by the University of Akron on Friday and Saturday, February 26 and 27, 2010. The Institute also offers a Saturday tour of community neighborhoods and nine classes from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays between March 4 and May 6. Applications are now available at http://www.uwsummit.org/.

UWSC’s Attaining Independence Impact Council, chaired by Bruce Rowland, created the Neighborhood Leadership Institute. This Institute is based on models from Cleveland and all across the country to show a commitment to the betterment of Summit County neighborhoods. The classes offered will cover a variety of topics, ranging from criminal justice to communication and engagement. By participating in these classes, leaders will learn a wide variety of skills, including how to serve as an advocate for their families and communities, how to find and utilize resources, and how to work with government agencies and social service providers. Participants will also gain insight on community development, coalition building, how to assess their neighborhood, and their own potential as leaders.

Other organizations partnering in the development of the program are: Akron Area YMCA; Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority; Akron-Summit Community Action, Inc.; Akron Urban League; City of Akron; East Akron Community House; Leadership Akron; Perkins Street Area Action Group; Summit 2010: Quality of Life Project; County of Summit Executive’s Office; Summit County Department of Job & Family Services; The University of Akron; University Park Alliance; and University Park Development Corporation.

As participants go through the ten-week seminar, the skills that were introduced in their sessions begin to develop and strengthen. Once they begin to identify the areas in their communities that need improvement, participants can then go about setting a plan and utilizing resources to fix those areas. The end result of the program is not only more experienced and skilled individuals, it is also safer, more beautiful, and more empowered neighborhoods. This program is at the root of strengthening and uniting our communities.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.