The EZ Neighborhood Leadership Institute (EZNLI) strives to improve leadership and self esteem to assist in forming community leaders into the "movers" and "shakers" of the 21st Century. The EZNLI provides an educational opportunity, which will produce a supportive atmosphere of mutual learning within and between the Empowerment Zone Communities. Each workshop series exposes participants to new approaches to the concept of teamwork within their communities and collaborations with other communities. The Institute is designed to provide the skills to conduct effective meetings, to resolve any obstacles that may present themselves in the course of a normal or unusual day, to dialogue with confidence and feel comfortable with any person or entity around the table, and to encourage the participants to look at themselves.

No one is "too old" to learn new things, nor "too young" to understand. Everyone has a method of communication, and this Institute builds on those skills. This training will create and foster opportunities for participants to learn both together and from one another. This type of environment provides the opportunity for mutual learning and mentorship. Upon completion of the trainings, participants are equipped to "naturally" elevate to their respected societal positions as community mentors sharing their own newfound knowledge. As participants learn new concepts, strategies, and more effective communication tools, participants will increase and improve family, school, and community collaboration, networking, and achieve success.

The EZNLI consists of weekly mandatory trainings. Interwoven into all the workshop sessions will be activities that encourage participants to tap into their own creative resources. Common threads include working, planning, and dialoguing in small groups; role plays; expected higher levels of participation; and laughter, as the training is designed to be fun as well as educational.

Training topics include, but are not limited to – Public Speaking, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution & Decision Making, Problem Solving, Cultural Diversity, Team Building, Community Outreach, and Collaboration Building. Eligible Participants must be residents and/or business owner from one of the six Empowerment Zone communities. The Empowerment Zone communities and census tracts include: Hill, Dwight, West Rock, Newhallville, Dixwell, and Fair Haven.

Resources

HUD Tips for Holding Neighborhood Meetings
HUD's Neighborhood Organization Checklist

Partners and Affiliates

Community Mediation