United Way of Summit County offers 10-week institute for empowerment

Akron Beacon Journal

Published on Sunday, Jan 17, 2010

 Beacon Journal staff report

United Way of Summit County's Neighborhood Leadership Institute is seeking participants for its second class, which begins with an overnight retreat Feb. 26-27.

The 10-week Institute is designed to train and empower local residents and community leaders, allowing them to ''promote positive changes,'' United Way officials said.

As many as 24 men and women from neighborhoods throughout Summit County will be chosen to participate. Cost is $550, and scholarships might be available.

The Institute begins with the overnight retreat hosted by the University of Akron. The program also offers a Saturday tour of neighborhoods, as well as classes from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays from March 4 to May 6.

The institute is modeled after ones in Cleveland and elsewhere.

Classes will cover such issues as criminal justice, communication, community advocacy, working with government and social service agencies, community development, coalition building and assessing leadership potential.

A variety of organizations are participating in the program. They are: Akron Area YMCA, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Akron-Summit Community Action Inc., Akron Urban League, city of Akron, East Akron Community House, Leadership Akron, Perkins Street Area Action Group, Summit 2010: Quality of Life Project, Summit County Executive's Office, Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, University of Akron, University Park Alliance and University Park Development Corp.

Applications are available at http://www.uwsummit.org. For more information, call 330-762-7601.