On May 27, 2015, Neighborhood Engagement Office launched the inaugural Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) with over 30 community and neighborhood leaders from across the City. The 8-week educational program was created to foster civic engagement by developing residents’ understanding of local government and how departments and agencies serve New Orleans neighborhoods.
We had an overwhelming level of interest from neighborhood leaders across the city, so we extended open enrollment and increased the class size. The cohort met eight consecutive weeks on Wednesday evenings here at City Hall to learn about the functions of City departments; session topics ranged from crime reduction and public infrastructure to budgeting and neighborhood revitalization. Fellows also heard from City Councilmembers Susan Guidry and Latoya Cantrell on their roles and experiences as neighborhood leaders.
Throughout the program, fellows participated in tours of City property including City Hall and Sewerage & Water Board plants. In addition to learning about the functions of departments, class members also engaged in in-depth discussions about how to improve City services and processes and how to address neighborhood level issues. During the academy, participants were provided weekly “civic assignments” which included a budgeting exercise on balancing the City’s budget, attending public meetings like board, commission, and City Council meetings, and discussing experiences with the rest of the cohort.
At the inaugural cohort graduation, held on July 22nd, 2015, participants were encouraged to use their knowledge of City government to lead collective action towards the advancement of neighborhoods and quality of life. Several of the participants have already signed up to join many of the City’s boards and commissions to further their service as civic leaders.
Accepting Applications for Fall 2015
We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2015 Civic Leadership Academy. Apply by September 18th to participate.
Quotes from Inaugural Participants
“This was clearly a very informative and enlightening experience, learning about the city and our government, an experience that will never be forgotten. The privilege of meeting our very busy and hard-working City personnel was most rewarding, along with meeting new friends in other neighborhoods in the city. I would recommend this class to anyone."
Alva Edward, Delassize Neighborhood Association
“Prior to enrolling in Civic Leadership Academy I was unsure about the functions of City government; but my experience has taught me that every one of the departments we met with does an invaluable job for the city, and it was such a privilege to meet the people who make it possible.”
Michael Walker, Isidore Newman Board Member
2015 Summer Cohort Participants
Alva Edwards*, Amanda Buberger, Angela Chalk, Ann Legaux, Aziza Bayou, Brenda Lomax-Brown, Calvin Spears, Cynthia Walters, Dawn Davis*, Dawn Hebert*, Emily Danielson, Ethel Smith, Michael Smith, Jeremy Smith, Jerry Pepper, Katherine Prevost*, Kathleen LaFrance, Kim Conner-Davis, Lionel Coleman, Lynette Adams, Mary Matthews, Michael Roberts, Michael Walker, Starr Williams, Steve Lindsley , Walterine Eugene-Griffin and Zach George*
*Not photographed in class picture