Exciting Times for Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland

(From Neighborhood Leader, Spring 2008 issue)

Dear Neighbor,

These are exciting times for Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland (NLC).

In May we graduated our 24th class. Since NLC started back in 1994, more than 700 grassroots leaders have graduated from the program.

Now we can look ahead to our 25th class, which begins in January 2009. The 25th class represents a major milestone.

Many other programs have come and gone since our first class graduated. I'm grateful that we have been able to keep the program going long enough to serve so many dedicated neighborhood leaders.

A big reason for the program's longevity has been our partnership with Cleveland State University. It's a terrific example of a successful university-community collaboration.

For some of our participants, the NLC class is their first or their best experience on a college campus. I know of many NLC graduates who have been inspired by their NLC experience to go back to school and earn a bachelor's or master's degree.

I'm pleased that our partnership will continue for Class 25.

The success of Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland has generated a great deal of interest in the concept of leadership training for ordinary citizens.

On a recent visit to Cleveland, Dr. Sheila Peters, the associate provost at Fisk University, visited the NLI office and attended the Class 24 graduation ceremony in an effort to learn more about our university-community partnership.

Dr. Peters was introduced to NLI by NLC graduate Shelley White (Class 19).

Also attending the graduation ceremony were three community leaders from Summit County. They are part of a group convened by the United Way of Summit County to explore the development of a leadership training program. Jacquie Gillon and I have met with the group several times over the past two years to share information about Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland.

Here in Cuyahoga County there's also a new leadership program for Cleveland residents. It's called the Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP).

Though the name is similar to ours, there is no formal connection with NLI. The NLDP is led by former Cleveland mayor Mike White and funded by the Mandel Foundation.

Some people have asked me if I consider NLDP a competitor. I do not. Every year we have to turn away applicants from Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland. We need more opportunities for ordinary citizens. I hope NLDP can help Cleveland residents become more effective leaders in their neighborhoods.

So we have many reasons to celebrate: the graduation of our 24th class and the approach of our 25th; a strong partnership with Cleveland State; and a growing interest in leadership training for the residents of our neighborhoods.

Warmest regards,

Don