Purpose: To educate and equip residents within the East Baton Rouge community with the resources and knowledge to create impactful community development projects.
Overview: The Safe Hopeful Neighborhood partners are committed to the development of highly qualified residents and to the enhancement of community development-related knowledge and skills. The objective of the training program is to provide residents access to training and development necessary to create, implement, and enhance their quality of life in the environment they deserve. The highest priority will be given to (1) adding value for our citizens by promoting efficiency, effectiveness, and competency; and (2) developing grant writing skills and programs that qualify for future grants.
Applicability: All residents, as approved by Mayor-President Broome, the Office of Community Development, and Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, may attend the on-site training program starting in the Summer.
Price: Free!
NEIGHBORHOOD COHORT
While residents apply individually, residents will work in a cohort of four to five residents representing their chosen neighborhood. These neighbors will work in a team through the curriculum, to develop a project plan, and apply for a Community Improvement Project Grant of up to $2,500.
Residents applying from neighborhoods without four to five representatives cannot be considered for the program this year, but we do encourage you to apply and provide recommendations. We’re here to help you get your neighbors involved. Please reach out to Symphony Malveaux at [email protected] for support.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In order for participants to be eligible to receive the grant award at the completion of the program, we ask that 60% (3 out of 5 members) attend all meetings with each individual person missing a maximum of 2 days. There are 6 mandatory training days held from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm, as well as a neighborhood tour and graduation held at the annual Blight Bootcamp which is open to the community. Lunch is provided at all training days.
PROGRAM TOPICS
Project Planning | Community Management | Community Development
Community Pride & Improvement Projects | Leading Great Meetings
Marketing | Communication Grant Writing
CORE CURRICULUM PROGRAMS
The Safe Hopeful Neighborhood partners will develop a core curriculum for participants based on the nationally recognized NeighborWorks Americas’ Building Leaders, Building Community curriculum.
Participants who complete the core curriculum program will be eligible for a Community Development Grant of up to $2500 and the possibility to attend a national training for an additional $4000 grant. The funds received will have to go towards an approved community development project with your assigned neighborhood.
CERTIFIED RESDIENT LEADER
All graduates of the program will receive a certification signed by Mayor-President Broome recognizing their completion of the Resident Leadership Program. Graduates will also be recognized at an award ceremony led by Mayor-President Broome and recognized on social media and in press releases.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The Resident Leader Academy is focused on uplifting underserved neighborhoods. While all neighborhoods and residents are encouraged to apply, this program will prioritize admittance to disinvested communities such as Scotlandville, Dixie, Gardere, Old South Baton Rouge, and Eden Park. We will have continuous programs and support for all neighborhoods throughout the year.
