Vital and just communities have a continuing stream of effective individuals taking action in community to improve the lives of others. These community leaders need and deserve support.

Wilder has a long commitment to developing and supporting diverse, effective and principled community leadership. The Wilder Center for Communities works with individuals and organizations introduce people to the fundamentals of civic involvement, to nurture and build the skills of emerging leaders, and to renew the energy and commitment of experienced leaders. The Neighborhood Leadership Programs (NLP) provide programs for people at a variety of ages and stages in their development helping them to develop the knowledge and commitment that effective community leadership requires. The James P. Shannon Leadership Institute provides for proven leaders a rare chance for interdisciplinary reflection on the purpose and values their leadership serves and ways to reenergize their focus and commitment to service.

Wilder’s leadership programs are designed to be accessible to a diverse constituency. They are experiential in design and help individuals take action in a way that connects their own passion and values with others in the community they wish to serve.

James P. Shannon Leadership Institute
Neighborhood Leadership Programs (NLP)
Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI)