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 to 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 provide training for people at a variety of ages and stages in their development to aid them in building knowledge, skills and commitment for effective community leadership.
• The James P. Shannon Leadership Institute provides 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. 
• The Youth Leadership Initiative provides young people, ages 14-18, from various cultural backgrounds with opportunities for self-assessment, cross-cultural interaction, leadership skills development, and meaningful engagement in the community.

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.

Applications are currently being accepted for our programs.

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