As part of a continued effort to deepen the civic engagement of area residents, Boston Cares is entering our fifth year of a year-long Civic Leadership Institute.

Boston Cares is entering the fifth year (2009-2010) of our year-long Civic Leadership Institute, as part of our broader Citizen’s Academy initiative. The goal is to help participants to deepen their civic engagement in their communities. It will equip Fellows with skills and tools they can use to become more fully engaged and effective community members.

The Civic Leadership Institute has two components: leadership skills development and practical skills application.

The leadership skills development component will focus on developing individuals’ leadership strengths and styles through training from local experts on leadership development, building civic participation, community organizing, building effective partnerships, and identifying resources.

The practical skills application component will offer opportunities for the Fellows to translate their skills in action through projects focused on political action, issue advocacy, board member development, philanthropy and fundraising.

Who Should Apply?
Compassionate individuals who are ready to take their volunteerism to the next level

Community involved residents who’d like to ramp up their ability to make a difference
 Social change entrepreneurs of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences
 Corporate and non-profit professionals who have evidence of leadership experience or potential, and meaningful involvement in their workplace or community
 Individuals with a strong personal initiative to make an active contribution to the Greater Boston area

Benefits
Participants will:
 -Gain skills in civics and community building
 -Develop their personal leadership capabilities
 -Learn how to engage political decision makers and other key community stakeholders
 -Acquire technical skills in media, public speaking, communication strategies
 -Network with others working to improve community and civic life
 -Collaborate with other participants to develop an action plan that will be implemented during and after their leadership institute

Requirements
Fellows will commit to a half-day retreat from 9a – 2:30p on Saturday, June 13, 2009, 10 monthly evening meetings (the second Wednesday of each month from 6-9 p.m. except January, which is the third Wednesday) and a graduation in May 2010. In addition, Fellows should expect to commit 20-30 hours for the practical skills application component.

Application Process
We invite interested Boston Cares members and community members to apply to the Civic Leadership Institute. There is no cost for the application, but if selected, there will be a non-refundable $100 materials and training supplies fee.
(A limited number of scholarships will be available).

Applications are available now.   Click here to download one.

To see the current year’s curriculum, click here.