Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland is our flagship program for grassroots leadership development. Now in its 28th year, it takes place February 24th through June 8th, in partnership with the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.
We’re proud to welcome both new and experienced leaders who want to gain confidence, learn skills, and use their voices to actively participate in effecting change. Participants will come away from the class with a deeper sense of their own purpose as leaders, a greater appreciation for the assets of their neighborhood, and a lifetime connection to the Institute’s network of more than 1,200 other grassroots leaders. Together, we share a common goal—to improve the quality of life for communities in Greater Cleveland through collective leadership and engagement.
Course Overview
NLC is a 16-week course held February through June. Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m., and include a leadership retreat, group projects, coaching, and neighborhood tours. Sessions will be a combination of virtual and in-person gatherings.
Key components of the class include
• Finding your strengths, values and leadership style
• Cultural & political history of Cleveland
• Discovering tools and resources
• Understanding systems of power
• Managing conflict and change
• Power and privilege
Leaders are equipped with the skills of building relationships, effective communication, team building, leading groups, framing and presenting ideas, project development, goal setting and how to create change. We discuss the fundamentals of self-awareness, ethics, community organizing, government and system structures, policy and advocacy, equity vs. equality, research and funding for projects, and how community leadership impacts all of these.
Application Process
Applications for Class 39 are available now. Download yours from this page, or pick up a brochure and application from a community organization near you. Completed applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of NLC alumni and Institute staff, who will then interview applicants. Candidates will be selected based on the strength of their application, recommendation letters, interviews, and such criteria as demonstrated neighborhood involvement, willingness to learn, and commitment to the program.
For more information, contact Michelle Broome by phone at 216-658-1358, or via email, michelle@neighborhoodleadership.org.
