Apply Today - Deadline February 21

Potential participants should fill out an application form by the February 21 deadline by visiting: http://z.umn.edu/nnow. Because space is limited, we will contact you shortly after the application deadline to schedule an interview or confirm your enrollment.

Apply now for Neighborhoods Now!

Neighborhoods Now! Spring 2022 Program Calendar

The course is April 25 - April 29 from 10am - 2:30pm each day. The course will also have select guest speakers from the field, two follow-up Think Tanks and graduation all conducted virtually.

Who is this for?

We welcome participants who have a passion and interest in learning and practicing neighborhood organizing skills including neighborhood and community organization staff, board and volunteers, as well as neighborhood residents who are not formally connected to an organization. We welcome people at a variety of skill levels, from people who are just getting started to experienced organizers and leaders looking to refresh or gain new skills. For each class we aim to recruit a culturally and geographically diverse group of participants.

How it works

Neighborhoods Now! Spring 2022 session offers five different classes that are each a day long. Course participants are expected to attend all five of the day-long classes, with follow-up Think Tank sessions with your fellow cohort organizers, guest speakers, and a graduation. During the entirety of the course and your new connection to CURA’s Neighborhood Organizing and Leadership Program, participants will have access to 1-to-1 support from CURA staff.

Still virtual?

Yes, sessions will be provided virtually. Since the pandemic, we have graduated three cohorts using an online format and received positive feedback and evaluations. We've made changes to the delivery of our core curriculum to make the most of the virtual experience for participants, without missing out on key content and relationship building, including:

• Shorter days with regular breaks
• Individualized reflection assignments to do offline
• Multimedia presentations and large group facilitation tools
• Afternoon time in breakout rooms for small group discussion
• A commitment to host an in-person group gathering and celebration once it is safe to do so after graduation!    

Additionally, we recognize that offering Neighborhoods Now! virtually allows for people to participate who otherwise may not be able to. For that reason, we intend to offer at least one virtual training per year moving forward.

Our next in-person cohort will tentatively be in Fall 2022.

Do you want more information?

Interested participants should email Malik Holt-Shabazz or Ned Moore with any questions.