Designers of the Neighborhood Leadership Programs (NLP) believe that leadership is inspiring and helps create effective working relationships to accomplish shared goals. The program teaches leadership skills with the intent of strengthening community. Building and maintaining a sense of community requires a healthy infrastructure of services and businesses; strong, ethical leadership; effective local organizations; and active citizen participation. Authentic leadership and active neighborhood involvement arise when passions are fueled by a vision for positive change and citizens have the courage, commitment, and necessary skills. All these ideas come together in NLP.

Since 1995, over 300 people from many of Saint Paul's neighborhoods have participated in the NLP. To ensure that the program is relevant for the communities it serves, NLP directs its efforts with the help of neighborhood advisory committees, which often include NLP alumni, existing neighborhood leaders, educators, residents, and representatives from institutions in Saint Paul's core neighborhoods.

Together with Wilder staff, they assess interest, garner resources, identify projects, shape curriculum, and recruit coaches or trainers as well as participants.

The NLP focuses on building capacity, and in the case of NLP, the specific focus is on Saint Paul's core, urban neighborhoods and building capacity within small, geographic communities.

NLP Latino Leadership Pilot Program Report

Neighborhood Leadership Programs General Brochure

Upcoming Classes

NLP Informational Sheet
NLP Application (Due October 3, 2007)

Learn more about the Youth Leadership Initiative(YLI)