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Emerging Leaders Reap Neighborhood Rewards
Thirty-six graduates of Lideres Sembrando Futuro (Leaders Cultivating the Future) already are reaping rewards from projects they implemented in their neighborhoods.
The graduates – all women – are the first to
complete a new Neighborhood Centers course designed to inspire community innovation. Course participants learn new skills such as how to create a project budget and timeline, how to document and evaluate progress, and how to create a sustainable project that will improve their community.
"This course has helped me grow a lot as a person," said one participant. "I’ve acquired new techniques for getting involved in the community, and learned to listen to suggestions and arrive at a solution."
Students work in teams to design and implement their own projects. Course leaders connect students with other organizations and people who can help them achieve their goals. Projects from the first two sessions include:
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a youth cultural dance troop – La Porte
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a community recycling program – La Porte
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a Spanish literacy initiative – La Porte
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a childcare parent cooperative – Independence Heights
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an initiative to motivate young learners – Gulfton
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a first aid/emergency training series - Gulfton
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a green space/community garden – Gulfton
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two community safety/beautification construction projects – Pasadena
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"Never doubt that a small group of citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead |
"Thank you for preparing new leaders," said one graduate. "In other parts of the world, especially in the Hispanic community from Mexico to Patagonia, there have not been enough leaders who really cared about helping low-income people."
Developing local leaders is an integral component of Neighborhood Centers Community Based Initiatives. "By strengthening the skills and capacity of individuals and by facilitating opportunities for meaningful community engagement, we lay the groundwork for prosperous, thriving neighborhoods," said Laura Timme, developer of the Lideres Sembrando Futuro course.
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