Community Leader Training Program – Sep 4

Posted by HACE Livability Academy on August 25, 2020

Livability Academy is going virtual for Fall 2020! Please join us for one of our upcoming cohorts, and spread the word to residents and stakeholders in the Kensington / Fairhill neighborhood.

What is Livability Academy?

Livability Academy is community leadership training program that focuses on neighborhood safety and asset-based project planning. During our 12 virtual sessions, participants will work together to identify concerns in our community and design unique projects drawing on their own experiences to address these issues. HACE provides funding and support to graduates to implement their projects.

Examples of previous projects include a group of residents focused on safety and beautification along Gurney Street collaborating on the physical transformation of that street; an intergenerational team of women bringing toiletries, relaxing treatments, and referral services to people experiencing homelessness through a pop-up shop event; and most recently a cohort interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, that decided to distribute pre-stamped postcard packs through food pantries to encourage neighbors to send messages of love and support while staying physically separate.

What are the logistics?

This fall we are offering two separate cohorts for the Academy – Tuesday afternoons (12:00 – 2:00 pm) or Thursday evenings (5:00 – 7:00 pm). Both sessions will begin the week of September 21 and graduate the week of December 14, and all classes will be held virtually over Zoom. HACE can provide loaner tablets and assist with internet access for anyone who needs support. Participants will receive a stipend upon completing the program, and can receive 25 hours of community service credit, if needed.

Who can participate?

We welcome participants of all ages (14+) to join for these virtual sessions, including high school and college students, resident leaders, block captains, business owners, and staff from neighborhood service providers. There are no residency requirements for participation, but funding for projects will be limited to the Kensington/Fairhill area, so participants should be prepared to focus here in the planning process.

Interested?

If you are excited about connecting with neighbors while building and implementing a unique community improvement initiative, you can apply today for our fall sessions: https://bit.ly/3jzdkto. Submit your application by September 4, 2020.

Questions? contact Ellie Matthews at ematthews@hacecdc.org.