Institute for Community Leadership

“The most valuable thing that I’ve learned at the Institute is how to be confident in who I am, where I come from, to speak loudly so everybody can hear me, and to represent my people. Everybody has value in their traditions and their cultures and it’s up to us to tell our stories, to carry on these traditions and teachings, and to be Sovereign.”

“I was inspired by the often stubborn optimism and relentless focus on the program at hand. I very much connected with the program reaching across racial and educational lines. In the classrooms no one was left behind, everyone was included which produced a true sense of family for all of us involved.”

“The work is akin to CPR. It recharges the vital organs, heart and mind in the participants. It breathes new life into the hopes and aspirations of the students. When this is done, self-respect and respect for others begins to take hold. Students begin to see that they are not powerless but powerful because they are in charge of the decisions they make.”

“The Institute empowers students to recognize their inter-dependence and sense that they are not alone, that they have a voice.”

“I’ve changed a lot of things about my relationships. My relationships with the ICL coaches and students are much closer and clearer. My relationships with my teachers are more connected and purposeful. My relationship with my family has more trust between us. My relationships with my close friends are much deeper and more towards helping each other be our nobler selves. All in all, there is a lot more hope and respect and effort. Also, I’ve gotten a clear view of my values and what I should do in my future that correlates with my values.”

“The Institute for Community Leadership’s Cultural Proficiency model offers a dynamic invitation to all of us who strive to lead and serve in our daily endeavors. ICL classes remind us that when in doubt, we should rely on gestures from the heart and never underestimate the power of a kind word, smile or extended hand.”

What’s the most important thing you’ve gotten from this program for your future?
“I’ve gained the ability to critically think and educate myself and others. My conduct has changed.”

What, if anything, will be different about your relationships with other people because you’ve been in this program? Adults? Peers? Family?
“Now, I can talk about social problems with others, hear what they have to say, and connect with each other.”

Name three things you think have changed in your life because you’ve been in this program.
“I have gained writing skills, the ability to think deeper, and self-confidence.”

“I can say first-hand that ICL’s evidence based programming directly addresses achievement and civic engagement gaps for traditionally disenfranchised youth of our state. I’ve watched disengaged students suddenly become leaders through ICL.”

“I’ve grown up in a very dysfunctional household. I had the opportunity here [ICL] to find hope. And find community. And find a way to use my voice…
One of the things that we do a lot here is confront our fears through public speaking. That moment when you’re standing up and you’re about to present your speech and you’ve never done it before. And there’s coaches that are just encouraging you. And sometimes you get pushed into the water. And sometimes you jump off. In all of the years that I’ve been here — from being a student, to being a coach, to being now a year away from being an attorney – I’ve never met a student that regretted jumping off.”

What’s the most important thing you’ve gotten from this program for your future?
“I have learned the importance of leading…to become a coach.”