Resident Leadership Program

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Way Finders and our partners know that thriving communities start with, and are propelled forward by, the very people who live there: the residents who call the area home, who are raising children and grandchildren there, who are shopping and walking there, and who are running local businesses there. These are the voices that can help transform a community into one that is healthy, safe, and full of life.

From learning to doing—and leading—at the local level

The Resident Leadership Program is an ongoing effort to strengthen residents’ understanding of what it means to be a community leader. The program prepares resident learners to grow into resident advocates: with the skills, capacity, and support to make their community a safe, welcoming place to live.

Interested in growing as a community voice and neighborhood leader?

The program, with multiple sessions, is free and open to residents of Holyoke and Springfield. Through interactive workshops and trainings, participants may learn about:

How government works
Effective leadership

Conflict resolution
Community organizing

Led by Way Finders staff and experts on the topic areas, participants build camaraderie, make community connections, and plan events for their neighborhood. Graduates also enjoy long-term support from Way Finders staff.

Upcoming Programs

Below is a list of upcoming Resident Leadership Programs in Springfield and Holyoke

Building Leaders Building Communities (BLBC) Springfield Spring 2022

Building Leaders Building Communities (BLBC)

Limited slots available. Residents of the North End and Mason Square neighborhoods are encouraged to attend.

Are you a Springfield resident seeking to organize community and improve public safety in your neighborhood? Are you interested in building leadership skills and making community change?

Take part in a FREE five-week series of online workshops and trainings—all presented in English with Spanish interpretation.

Topics to be covered include:

•   Individual Strengths & Team Strengths
•   Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion & Community Assets
•   Discovering Our Leadership Styles & Forming Teams for Community Change
•   Choosing and Defining Our Issues & Telling Our Story with Data
•   SMARTIE Goal Setting & Celebrating and Moving Forward

The workshops will be led by Way Finders staff, resident leaders, and community partners. Participants build camaraderie, make community connections, and develop leadership and community organizing skills.

Open to residents of Springfield.

Workshops will take place weekly Tuesday evenings May 17th- June 14th, 5:30-8:30 pm (optional meet & greet 5-5:30 each week)