(Left to Right) Row 1: Renee Cambrice, Katie Witry, Hope Bridger, Sylvia Scineaux-Richard, Diane Frank, Myra McClendon, Mary Scott, Lisa Domino, Earnest Salsberry, Winter Randall, Renee Keiser; Row 2: Kim Ford, Pamela Harris-Coward, Courtney Anderson, Hilangela Webb, Katherine Kuroczko, Janell Perry, Valerie Bouldin, Kelsy Yeargan, Lakechia Variste, Rosalind Jones-Francis, Alex Whatley, Aimee Chambers, Charlotte Klasson, Anthony Childers, Jonathan Stewart, Lilian Alvarez; Row 3: Aaron Juarez, Victor Jones, Clyde McCoy, Dana Feist, Gilad Meron, Antonio Castanon Luna, Ken Caron, Robin Jones, Adam Stevenson, Ray Guidry, Megan Snider (stand in); Not pictured: Ciara Stein, Annie Johnston, Megan Snider
Civic Leadership Academy's Second Cohort
On September 30th, the Neighborhood Engagement Office launched the second cohort of the Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) with over 40 community and neighborhood leaders from across the city. Due to an overwhelming response from residents, the class size was increased from 25 to 40. The 8-week leadership program was created to foster civic engagement among residents by developing residents' understanding of local government and how departments and agencies serve New Orleans neighborhoods. The cohort met eight consecutive weeks on Wednesday afternoons from 6-8pm here at City Hall to learn about the functions of City departments; sessions topics ranged from crime reduction to City budgeting and neighborhood revitalization.
Throughout the program, fellows not only learned about various functions of departments but also engaged in in-depth discussions on improving City services and processes. Fellows also experienced hands-on demonstrations for addressing neighborhood level issues. During the academy, participants were provided weekly civic assignments which included an exercise on balancing the City’s budget, providing input to the CPC’s Neighborhood Participation Process, as well as attending public meetings like boards & commissions and City Council meetings. Fellows also had the opportunity to hear from City Councilmembers Susan Guidry, Jason Williams, Nadine Ramsey and Latoya Cantrell on their roles and experience as elected officials.
The cohort graduation was held on November 18th. Participants were greeted by Mayor Landrieu who encouraged the group to use their recently obtained knowledge of City government and processes to rebuild their respective neighborhoods and continue to work with the City in addressing residents’ quality of life matters. Several participants have already signed up to join one of the many boards and/or commissions to further their experience as civic leaders. Civic Leadership Academy is open to any Orleans Parish resident, eighteen (18) years of age who is interested in learning the functions of City government. Learn more about the Civic Leadership Academy and stay tune for the spring 2016 dates.
Quotes from Participants
“CLA was a wonderful opportunity and quite educational. I now have the tools to proactively rebuild my community. Thanks to the my experience in the cohort I believe enough in myself as a civic leader and that I am capable of making effective change for my neighborhood.”
Lisa Domino, New Orleans East Resident
“The Civic Leadership Academy experience gave me hope for New Orleans. I learned what "good" things that are happening here that don't make the headlines. The leaders of the city shared their plans for the city. Not all things are perfect but we are working towards fixing them. The academy gave me the knowledge so I can help support our elected leaders build a better New Orleans.”
Diane Frank, Lakeview resident
"CLA gave its participants an introspective look into the ins and outs of our local government. There were plenty of 'ah I see' and 'so this is who I need to talk to get things done' moments."
Victor M. Jones, Black Pearl resident
"The New Orleans Civic Leadership Academy, facilitated by the Mayor's Neighborhood Engagement Office, is invaluable for anyone hoping to gain a greater understanding of the mechanics of city governance. The speakers were knowledgeable and seemed eager to share their expertise, and I finished the class with an even greater appreciation of how unique our beloved New Orleans truly is."
Winter Claire Randall, Marigny resident