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Training will be held virtually, via Zoom.

Apply Today - Deadline August 9

Potential participants should fill out an application form by the August 9 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!

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Neighborhoods Now! Fall 2021 Program Calendar

The course is September 27 - October 1 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! Fall 2021 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. Over the last year, we have graduated two 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 be in April 2022.

Neighborhoods Now! is an innovative community educational series to strengthen the work of individuals and organizations working in neighborhoods to:

  1. Organize to win issues for people and places. 
  2. Build power to change systems for racial equity and economic justice.
  3. Build organizations whose leadership is reflective of the community.
  4. Build diverse and effective cross cultural collaborations.