APPLICATION DUE FRIDAY, August 16, 2024
SOUTH SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (NLA)
APPLICATION FORM
Our Vision
The South Side is a vibrant community, with rich diversity and a strong history. The South Side Neighborhood Leadership Academy will equip participants with the relationships, knowledge, skills, and abilities to help the South Side continue to thrive. Upon completion of the program, graduates will use what they have learned to achieve transformative change in South Side communities. We seek participants that aspire toward a safe, opportunity-rich South Side that maximizes diversity, builds relationships, secures and advances current residents, all while maintaining the unique fabric of the community..
Program Summary:
• The South Side Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA) is an expansion of the greater Columbus Neighborhood Leadership Academy initially launched by the United Way of Central Ohio in 2012. The program is inspired by aspirations of building a diverse, opportunity-rich South Side community that bridges social spheres for a vital and inclusive community.
• With an emphasis on Columbus’ South Side, this unique leadership program is designed to equip residents with the knowledge and tools to become agents of change. Participants will aspire to make a positive impact in their neighborhoods by building upon existing assets of their community.
• Learning opportunities will be designed such that participants benefit from a good balance of traditional, classroom-based learning with highly-engaging experiential learning opportunities including community tours and field trips.
Program Schedule:
• The South Side NLA requires a commitment of approximately 40 in-class hours (10 leadership sessions) over a period of seven(7) months (September through April), and additional work pursuing a community-based, team project designed to propel transformative change in your neighborhood.
• Following review of the written application, qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person interview/orientation session on September 7, 9:30-12:00 p.m. at the Residences at Career Gateway (747 E. Whittier).
• Subsequent classes meet on Saturday mornings (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., lunch provided) and attendance is required (with project funding contingent of full participation). Classes have been tentatively scheduled for following dates:
September 21/October 19/November 9 & 23/January 11 & 25/February 8 & 22 /March 8 & 22/April 3
In addition, attendance will be required at the culminating graduation ceremony, tentatively scheduled for April 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Participant Eligibility:
• Open to any adult (age 18 and older) residing in, working in or otherwise committed to the South Side (specifically the 43205, 43206, or 43207 zip codes), who aspire to bring positive and productive change to their neighborhoods.
Participant Criteria:
Successful candidates will be those who:
• Possess an earnest desire to serve as an agent of change in their neighborhood.
• Believe their communities are already rich with assets and in pursuing positive change, believe building upon these existing assets is the first place to begin.
• Are passionate about building new sets of skills, gaining access to new tools, and building relationships for the purpose of achieving transformative change in their neighborhood.
• Value diversity amongst their neighbors, safety in their community, and a commitment to maintaining the diverse fabric of their community.
• Are willing to become a member of the South Side NLA alumni group at the conclusion of the academy to help future emerging leaders successfully complete future academies.
Application Process:
• Complete the following written application. Questions generally require no more than 1-2 sentences in response.
• Applications may be completed online by visiting 4allpeople.org/ssnla. Hard-copy applications may also be submitted to Danielle Anderson, Community Development for All People, 946 Parsons Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43206. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm August 16, 2024.
• Following review of the written application, qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person interview/orientation session on September 7, 2023 from 9:30-12:00 pm.
