Community Leadership Academy

The Community Leadership Academy at the Mel King Institute works with grassroots leaders to build their power and voice. We offer trainings and networking opportunities for residents to build skills and knowledge so that they may effectively participate in the decision-making that impacts their lives and communities.

Learn about the CLA Programs

Leadership Development Resources

Click here for a list of resources for grassroots leaders, especially for public housing residents.

Our Approach

Our trainings use the popular education approach which always centers residents’ lived experiences. Through multiple sessions, residents identify issues that are important to them and learn to overcome key obstacles to building power: fear, hopelessness, division and confusion. Our trainings help residents build networks of shared power, as well as build key skills such as running meetings, communications, issue identification and taking action. Throughout, we address racial equity and make it clear that “radical inclusion” of all tenants in our tenant groups is essential for success.

Our curriculum developed organically through several years of experimentation. Input came from dozens of residents as well as our team of highly skilled trainers. No two sessions are ever the same—each revolves around what the participants in the room bring with them.

Contact us!

Viana Nascimento, Mel King Institute Leadership Development Program Manager (vianan@macdc.org)