Resident Engagement and Leadership (REAL) Strategies

Study Circles – small group neighborhood based discussions that engage residents in developing solutions for neighborhood concerns. Block clubs, neighborhood associations, parent clubs, youth organizations, schools and churches can host a circle to engage isolated and disconnect residents to gather their solutions and priorities that are important to them. Study Circles Neighborhood Coordinators are available to assist and/or answer particular needs. Please contact Elizabeth Ryan (bibliobus@netscape.net ) in Southeast or Teresa Robinson (tlee_robinson@yahoo.com ) in Martindale Brightwood for further information.

Community/Faith-based Organizers – organizers build relationships and identifying self-interest among the neighborhood residents and the faith community, link residents to opportunities for improving the lives of families and children, create opportunities for leadership to emerge, and mobilize collected voices for action. Please contact Jane Mullikin and Jerry Keys (seorganizer@gmail.com ) in Southeast or Ruby Anderson (ra46226@aol.com ) in Martindale Brightwood to get engaged.

Neighborhood Partners –volunteer trained residents assist families by connecting them to informal and formal support systems and engagement activities. Neighborhood Partners broaden the neighborhood engagement and outreach efforts through relationship building, door-to-door canvassing, distribution of information, and assisting family-friendly events. This program is a collaborative effort with the Neighborhood Alliance for Child Safety and for more information, please contact Jennifer Kinnaman (jkinnaman@childrensbureau.org ).

Resident Leadership Facilitation – The Resident Leadership and Facilitation (RLF) Training for resident leaders is designed to help participants gain an understanding of the skills needed to lead successful meetings that result in decisions about actions that will achieve desired results. The training is conducted by resident trainers and over 60 residents have participated. Any interest residents, please contact Alicia Barnett at aliciajbarnett@aol.com .

Indianapolis Community Building Institute - a series of three six-week interactive program tracks for emerging and experienced community leaders. Presented through a series of hands-on workshops and discussions, the program develops leadership qualities in individuals so that they can be more effective in helping their communities achieve goals. The Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center (www.inrc.org ) provides the training.