cei-august

CEI

The Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) will provide tools and techniques to develop enhance the leadership skills of anyone interested in building a stronger neighborhood community. CEI will provide a framework for hands-on learning and a forum for discussing specific neighborhood issues. The CEI will also provide opportunities for the sharing of best practices and solutions to neighborhood problems. CEI will invite local leaders and facilitators to help identify effective, efficient strategies and tools to community challenges.

At the conclusion of the CEI training, participants or neighborhood residents will create an action plan and will be tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of the participants. Participating neighborhood associations will receive a $2,500-$3,000 grant towards the implementation of the action plan, which they will begin to prepare through the CEI training. NeighborWorks® Lincoln staff will be available as a resource to assure projects reach completion.

Training methods/tools

The training will consist of some classroom discussion/activities, Lincoln Community Scan (PDAs), project implementation, “Photo voice” and/or neighborhood block walks.

Training schedule

  • Saturday, August 20th, 2011-9:15 AM-12:15 PM (3 hours)

  • Saturday, September 24th, 2011-9:15-12:15 PM

  • Saturday, October 16th, 2011-9:15 AM-12:15 PM

  • Saturday, November 19th, 2011-9:15 AM-12:15 PM

  • Saturday, January 21st, 2012-9:15 AM-12:15 PM

Program features

  • Participating residents will use their “photo voice” by using digital cameras provided by NeighborWorks® Lincoln to document anything they like and/or dislike about their neighborhood. Photos will then be used as a tool to help identify and develop action plans.
  • Neighborhood/block walks will provide a hands-on opportunity for residents to assess their own neighborhood. Participants will identify why a block walk is useful and various formats and tools for block walks.
  • Resident leadership curriculum provided by NeighborWorks® America will be used as a framework for the training.
  • An action plan for a neighborhood project will be developed and submitted by each participating neighborhood group to NeighborWorks® Lincoln to be considered for the mini-grant award.
  • Participants who complete training and project will receive an award and public recognition.
  • Current sponsors of the training include NeighborWorks® Lincoln, NeighborWorks® America and State Farm Insurance.
  • There will be a $20 registration fee for each participant to attend the entire training series.