Obama Foundation Opens Applications for Community Leadership Training Day Program This Fall

August 8, 2018 at 9:00 AM CDT

Program will build on the Foundation’s 2017 pilot Training Days to bring together young people ages 18-25 looking to tackle important issues in their communities

Application is open to leaders in Oakland, California; Dallas, Texas; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

CHICAGO, IL — Today the Obama Foundation opened applications for its Community Leadership Training Day program aimed at encouraging civic engagement in young people ages 18-25. Building on the Foundation’s pilot trainings last year and consistent with the Foundation’s mission to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders, the program will train participants in basic leadership skills so they can tackle important issues in their communities. The one- and a half-day programs will take place in Oakland, California; Dallas, Texas; and Oklahoma City; Oklahoma in September and October.

Community Leadership Training Days are an introductory training for young people who are looking to get involved in their community but don’t know where to start.  The program will feature workshops that:

  • Explore the power of storytelling and personal narrative as a basis for engaging with others;

  • Identify personal and community-based assets for creating change;

  • Assist participants in identifying local issues that they want to address and move them toward action planning;

  • Deepen participants’ networks by connecting them with local leaders, influencers, and organizations; and

  • Create an environment that offers tangible life skills for leadership, community organizing, and more.

Community Leadership Training Days will take place the weekends of September 21 (Oakland, CA), September 28 (Dallas, TX), and October 5 (Oklahoma City, OK). Applications are now open and can be accessed HERE. The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM PT on Sunday, September 27, 2018.

“We were incredibly encouraged in the pilot trainings we launched last year by the interest and and eagerness of young people to get involved in their communities and learn how they can make a difference on issues they identify,” said David Simas, CEO of the Obama Foundation. “These Community Leadership Training Days represent the next iteration of our efforts to fulfil the Obama Foundation’s mission of empowering and inspiring the next generation of civic leaders. We look forward to connecting with young leaders in Oakland, Dallas, and Oklahoma City as they work to create positive change in their communities.”

Last year, the Obama Foundation launched pilot Training Days — three one-day introductory civic trainings in Boston, Chicago, and Tempe for 150 participants and 25 peer advisors. The Community Leadership Training Days build off of this pilot and offer participants the chance to participate in workshops designed to build community involvement and leadership skills and connect with local organizations that are making an impact in their community.