Citizens Leadership Academy

Residents can develop their community leadership skills by attending the Citizens Leadership Academy, a series of classes offered twice a year.

Many graduates of the Citizens Leadership Academy go on to leadership roles in Citizens Advisory Councils (CACs) and service on City of Raleigh boards and commissions.

Citizens Leadership Academy is divided into three modules with four classes in each module. You can apply for one, two or all three modules. Because the Citizens Leadership Academy is offered each spring and fall, you can complete the three modules over the course of a year.

Classes for the spring 2012 session starting March 1 have been filled. However you can apply online for the fall 2012 session. (Dates of the fall 2012 session have not yet been set.)

When you complete a module of Citizens Leadership Academy, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. (You must attend three of the four classes to receive the certificate.) When you complete all three modules, you will receive the Academy Leadership Plaque.

Classes are limited to 25 participants to promote discussion and interaction. Residents of the City of Raleigh and its extraterritorial jurisdiction receive priority for admission into the Citizens Leadership Academy and attend free of charge. Other residents of Wake County will be accepted into Citizens Leadership Academy depending on available space for a fee of $40 per module, or $110 for three modules. Fees are due at least three days before the first class.

The 2012 modules include:

Leadership Development

This module integrates personal and group leadership dynamics by focusing on leadership style, facilitation and group dynamics.

Communication Dynamics

This module explores the techniques for effectively communicating with individuals and groups.

Asset-Based Community Development

This module explores a framework for neighborhood organizing known as Asset-Based Community Development. The ABCD model engages the talents and skills of neighborhood residents and groups to improve their quality of life through civic partnerships.