Leadership Programs

The First Tier of the training, People Empowering People (PEP), is a program that builds on the strengths of adults with limited financial/educational means; people who have been traditionally disenfranchised from their community. It provides opportunities and resources for them to gain experience and skills while they take greater control of their lives. It emphasizes the connection between individuals and community action. Trained PEP participants apply their knowledge by involving themselves in projects that improve the quality of life in their communities. The PEP curriculum was designed and is promoted by the University of Connecticut, and is used with their permission.

The Second Tier of the training is Voices for Families (VFF). The curriculum includes training in problem definition, honing interpersonal skills, diversity training, building bridges and removing barriers, language and writing skills, media and packaging agendas, State and local government, the Board of Education and the school system, budgets, accountability, and outcome expectations. This program strives to facilitate a process whereby parents advocate for the needs of children and families in their community. People in the community who have been identified as leaders are engaged as mentors for other parents as they design and implement programs.

The Greater Norwich Community Leadership Team web site is www.cntg.org/gnclt

The Third Tier of the training is the Parent Graduate Leadership Initiative (PGLI). This is a unique advanced partnership for parents and community leaders, and is designed to continue mentoring parent graduates working on community related projects. The program provides the advanced resources and technical assistance needed for continuing projects.

The Fourth Tier of the training is the Teen Leadership Council (TLC). The TLC program is designed to introduce youth ages 13-18 to the basic skills and information necessary to empower them to become leaders in their community. It is our belief that teens can become an integrated part of the process of positive change in any community. TLC is a 15-week curriculum that combines the best aspects of leadership training and includes such topics as: Values Clarification, Diversity Training, Communication Skills, How to Define a Problem, Bridges and Barricades, Budgets, and Media and Packaging Agendas. Teens will focus on teamwork and cooperation to complete a community project of their choice. Community mentors will volunteer their time and skills to help the participants achieve their goals. Individuals will be mentored beyond the project time as appropriate.