Carly Cortright, Director of Neighborhood Services, 509.625.6263
Friday, November 12, 2021 at 3:42 p.m.
Updated November 29, 2021
Community engagement is a key component of local government. The City of Spokane’s Neighborhood Council Program serves a crucial advocacy role to effectively and efficiently to help solve issues.
In partnership with Gonzaga University School of Leadership Studies, the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) is proud to announce its pilot Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy, a free program aimed at providing Neighborhood Council leaders the skills they need to be successful. With support from City Council, Gonzaga conducted a needs assessment in spring 2021 that revealed our volunteer leaders desired skills of running effective meetings, managing conflict, effective collaboration with city partners, and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A training program was then developed to assist in building these skills.
The academy is a five-month program to equip new and emerging neighborhood leaders with knowledge, skills and resources to increase engagement and address their priorities. Gonzaga and ONS will pilot the academy in spring 2022 (tentative class dates are the following Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: January 29, February 26, March 26, April 30, May 21, and June 4). The class will have 10-12 participants, ideally split between the three City Council districts. Based on the success of the pilot, the intent is to make the program a year-round offering.
See our brochure for more information and to see if it is a good fit for you. We are accepting applications for classes to start in January. Childcare will be available. All we ask is that you stay involved with your Neighborhood Council for a year. If you have questions, email neigh.svcs@spokanecity.org.
The application deadline has been extended and will close Monday, December 6, 2021.
