A new program whose goal is to identify, train, nurture, and energize a new set of civic leaders in Covington is taking applications through next Friday.
The 13-week Covington Leads program will pay participants for their time, help fund their self-adopted projects, and guide them through the implementation of that project, said Sarah T. Allan, program director for economic development at The Center for Great Neighborhoods, which is sponsoring the initiative.
All the while it will be equipping people to take on new roles in their communities, Allan said.
“We’re looking for people who have been thinking about getting involved in the community but aren’t sure what the next step should be,” she said. “Covington Leads will give them the skills, knowledge, and confidence to step up.”
The short applications, found HERE, are due by the end of the day July 5.
Allan said the program will use a selection process to identify and move forward with six participants. A second program round will occur next year.
The first Covington Leads program will meet once a week from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday mornings from July 27 to Oct. 19.
Participants will be paid $50 a week for the first seven weeks with the opportunity to earn an additional $150 for certain accomplishments. The rest of the program will be used to implement each participant’s project. The program will also make available up to $500 for each project.
People don’t have to have an idea for a project, program, or event up front but can settle on one later, Allan said.
The Center for Great Neighborhoods has sponsored similar leadership development programs in the past, including one geared toward food, and projects have included things like healthy-eating classes, holding a dinner that features and collects family recipes, and exploring the possibility of a local dog park.
Participants will learn how to develop and refine an idea, create a budget, market an event, manage volunteers, and perform other project management skills.
No previous experience is necessary.
CGN’s marketing brochure says Covington Leads “might be for you” if any of the following are true: You have an idea to improve your neighborhood.
• You see a problem in your neighborhood but aren’t sure where to start.
• You like to work with people to find solutions to problems.
• You see something great in your neighborhood and want it to grow.
“This really is an exciting and rewarding program, and one we think will be fun,” Allan said.
Questions? Contact Jameela Salaah from CGN at (859) 866-7522 or via email at jameela@greatneighborhoods.org
Center for Great Neighborhoods
