Bring out the leader you dream of becoming. Take a brave step to get trained in leadership, decision-making, and public speaking. Learn to express your ideas to address community issues. Your skills soar while fighting for passionate goals of community improvement. You never know how far you can go by joining a board or committee to get your voice heard. You don’t just learn advocacy but also balance so that your passion continues.

Leadership Development

Community Education Leadership Institute (CELI)

  • The Leadership Institute is a program that builds a variety of practical skills for emerging leaders. This includes learning about systemic inequities and how they impact education, health, and wellness, especially for low-income residents and communities of color in West Contra Costa County. The program provides support to identify and apply for open seats on local and regional committees, boards, and commissions involved in youth development, health, and education.

    Our fall cohort will begin in September 2024.

    • Effective communication.

    • Building and maintaining strategic alliances.

    • Community and equity-centered policy improvement.

    • Self-care to support your leadership.

    • Unpacking complex community issues.

  • Parents/advocates and youth 16 and over who are:

    • Currently serving, or planning to seek a seat in the near future, on a committee, commission, or board to advance equity in education, health, and wellness.

    • Knowledgeable about local/regional policies and programs impacting education and health.

    • Experienced in advocating for education and health equity issues in their local community.

    • Connected to community leaders, organizations, decision-makers, and/or public officials.

    The application deadline for the 2024 Fall cohort is AUGUST 20th.

  • Fellows attend six Saturday morning sessions that include training and skills development, interaction with guest speakers, and hands-on application of concepts for 25 hours of structured training. (meals, materials, childcare and stipend included).

    CELI Graduates are expected to contribute as program ambassadors. For example, CELI graduates will be asked to meet periodically to learn about new issues and provide insight for new fellows.

    • Increase your confidence, strength, and abilities to take action and influence change on a local board, committee, or commission.

    • Join a network of community leaders who are committed to improving education, health, and wellness for youth and families.

    • Learn strategies for self care to enhance your public service and leadership.

    • Strengthen your foundation in public speaking, community engagement, reading budgets, using data, and crafting policy.

    • Receive ongoing support and individual coaching to increase transparency, accountability, and community engagement for local decision-making bodies.

Career Pathways

  • Build and grow skills for career growth and plan your pathway to greater family stability. Learn and practice peer facilitation, community-based doula skills, running community meetings, and more in a relaxing and supportive space.