Amherst H. Wilder Foundation Wider Center for Communities

Jennifer Sanchez

For more than 100 years, Wilder has combined direct service, research, and community development to address the needs of the most vulnerable people in greater Saint Paul.

Through more than 70 diverse programs and services Wilder works with thousands of individuals every year to help them overcome barriers to learning, address their mental health, live with more independence, maintain affordable housing, and engage in their communities.

To promote the social welfare of persons resident or located in the greater Saint Paul metropolitan area by all appropriate means, including: • relief of the poor

• care of the sick and aged • care and nurture of children • aid of the disadvantaged and otherwise needy • promotion of physical and mental health • support of rehabilitation and corrections • provision of needed housing and social services • operation of residences and facilities for the aged, the infirm and those requiring special care

…all without regard to, or discrimination on account of, nationality, sex, color, religious scruples or prejudices.

The Neighborhood Leadership Programs (NLP) offer a continuum of accessible, experiential leadership training for people at all ages and stages of leadership. In addition, they foster community service and action on important issues affecting people who live and work in Saint Paul.

Program Goals Include: 1. Enhancing participants’ awareness of their values,

assets and approaches to leadership. 2. Building leadership skills so participants work

effectively with others. 3. Increasing participants’ involvement in community

service and action.

Series I: Building Connections to Community Description – A six week program designed to introduce people to

community work and to develop an understanding of themselves that will help them become involved in their communities.

Curriculum Topics - Focus on civic engagement, identifying people and resources in the community, taking risks for moving into public life, and clarifying personal interests and leadership styles.

Series II: Leadership Skills for Success Description – A six month program designed to build knowledge, skills

and connections needed for effective community leadership. Curriculum Topics - Skill-building training, reflection, 1-1 coaching and

networking with residents and current leaders from across St. Paul. Skill building session topics include: understanding your leadership style, assessing community, teambuilding and group problem solving, communication, conflict management, making meetings work, building inclusive communities, organizing and action planning.

NLP – Building Connections to Community

Draft Agenda s

May 6 th , 9 th , and 16 th , 2009

Overall Program Goals: 1. Enhance awareness and appreciation of personal working styles and other people’s unique styles. 2. Build skills to effectively work with others in the community. 3. Create understanding of ways one can take action and leadership in the community.

Wednesday, May 6 ( T HEME : SELF )

Session Objectives

Get to know each other

Feel safe, free to participate openly

Know what will be gained by participating in this program

Identify your own working style and begin to understand how this impacts your work with others

Practice being an effective active listening

5:00 to

6:15 pm

Check In a nd Eat Dinner

6:15 pm Welcome a nd Opening Session

6:35 pm Introductions - Bu ild A Quilt Exercise

7:15 pm Program Components Overview

7:30 pm Active Listening

7:55 pm Setting Group Agreements

8:05 Break

8:15 pm Working Styles

8:45 pm Closing

9:00 pm Adjourn

Saturday, May 9 (THEME: WORKING EFFECTIVELY WITH OTHERS)

Sess ion Objectives

Discuss leadership and implications for personal leadership

Practice team building and learn about the elements of a successful team

Learn and discuss tips for recognizing, managing and resolving conflict

Define the concept of community.

9 : 0 0 – 9: 30 am Check In

9:30 a.m. Welcome a nd Opening

10:0 0 a.m. Defining Leadership

10:30 am Team Building

11:15 am Break

11:30 am Community Leadership Panel : “Being A Leader”

12:00 pm Lunch

12:40 pm Cultural Differences a nd Communication

1:10 pm Understanding Conflict a nd Conflict Resolution

3:15 p.m. Closing

3:30 p.m. Adjourn

Topics Covered: November 2008 – April 2009 Session I: Opening Retreat Core Content: Self Reflection with Masks; Leadership Styles; Exploring St. Paul

Neighborhoods Session II: Personal Values and Community Work (and Coaching Meeting)

Session III: Organizing for Action in Your Community Session IV: Intercultural Communications and Conflict

Session V: Working Inclusively in Neighborhoods Session VI: Team Building (and Coaches Meeting) Session VII: Action Planning for Community Work

Session VIII: Navigating City Government Session IX: Participatory Facilitation

Session X: Understanding Conflict and Conflict Resolution (and Coach Meetings)

Session XI: Reflection on Leadership and Next Steps in Your Community Leadership

Session XII: NLP Graduation

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

STRENGTHENING LEADERSHIP ACROSS SAINT PAUL NEIGHBORHOODS

Continuing connections with NLP Alumni:

Link Up Sessions

Building a website for news and social networking

Creating new sessions addressing the needs of the BCC communities

Work with more communities within St. Paul to create new programs that fit their interests.