BUILDING LEADERS, BUILDING COMMUNITY (BLBC)
Leadership starts here
BLBC is a 15-week, community-centered leadership program rooted in lived experience co-led by local community members with a 10-week workshop series running from March through May. Designed for residents, advocates, and changemakers at every stage of their journey, BLBC strengthens leadership skills, builds confidence, and equips participants to be agents of progress in their communities.
What is BLBC?
Building Leaders, Building Communities (BLBC) is a 15-week leadership program centered on lived experience and community impact. Rather than training leaders in a classroom, BLBC acknowledges that leadership already exists in our neighborhoods — then equips participants with the tools, resources, and support needed to expand that impact.
Throughout the program, residents learn practical leadership skills, build relationships, and develop Community Change Plans that address needs in their neighborhoods.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCE
Free childcare during sessions
Celebration of completion with community
Ongoing support after graduation
Meaningful financial support (gift cards)
Meals from local minority-owned restaurants
Leadership skill development
NEXT BLBC COURSE DATES: MARCH 11 - MAY 20 2026
NEXT BLBC COURSE DATES: MARCH 11 - MAY 20 2026
1. Be Curious
Become a Participant:
> Attend workshops
> Wednesday nights
> 10 weeks
> Participants receive $20 gift cards for each workshop attended
2. Be Courageous
Become a Facilitator:
> Attend 5 facilitator trainings, beginning in January
> Be part of a Facilitation Team (2 or more facilitators)
> Lead one or more BLBC workshops
> Facilitators receive $20 gift cards for each workshop attended and a $100 gift card for workshops led
> Eligible for Steering Committee consideration
3. Get Certified
Become a Certified Facilitator:
> Complete all necessary steps to become a BLBC Facilitator
> Attend a minimum of 8 BLBC workshops.
> Receive BLBC Facilitator Certification from NeighborWorks
> Receive a $20 gift card for workshops attended and a $50 gift card for workshops led
> Eligible for a $500 stipend for a community building based project
> Eligible for Steering Committee consideration
Building Leaders, Building Community initiative partners and sponsors:
How you can support BLBC
BLBC is made possible through community support. Your gift helps cover:
• Meals from local small businesses
• Incentives for participants and facilitators
• Free child supervision
• Materials, space, and celebration costs
• Community Change Plan support
Support community leadership today. Your investment empowers local leaders and strengthens neighborhoods.
