The Michigan City Neighborhood Leadership Academy is re-launching after being put on hold during the pandemic.

The program is a partnership between the City of Michigan City and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City. It is aimed at individuals who are interested in taking on a leadership role within their own neighborhoods and bringing neighbors together to spark change. 

Participants will learn more about the city, its departments, processes and resources to cultivate their neighborhood’s identity and future path.

Applications are now being accepted for Michigan City residents ages 18 and over who reside within the city limits. Applications are available at https://vibrantmc.com/neighborhood-leadership-academy/, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, through Sept. 6.

The program includes eight sessions, on Thursdays from Oct. 3 through Nov. 21 from 5 to 8:30 pm, with dinner included. In place of a Thursday session on Oct. 17, mandatory Cornerstone Class sessions will be from 4 to 8 pm Friday Oct. 18 and 8 am to noon Saturday Oct. 19. These foundational classes will educate and empower participants using the Asset-Based Community Development framework.

“During Covid, we had to wrap up the program early, and we invite those participants to join us again,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “These are interactive, hands-on sessions that will lay the groundwork for creating strong and lively neighborhoods within our community.”

“This is a unique opportunity for our residents to really get involved, serve as a neighborhood leader and create changes right outside their own doors,” added Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

EDCMC Community Development Manager Erin Meisner will help facilitate the sessions, which will include speakers, activities, discussions and the two half-day sessions facilitated by Community Works, which are required to participate.

“This leadership program is for our community members who want to learn about programs and strategies to support their own neighborhoods and also establish a sense of community and getting to know one another,” Meisner said. “We want participants to learn, understand and be able to put into place these practices to boost their own neighborhoods – based on their own neighborhoods’ unique needs.”

A commitment to the two cornerstone sessions and at least six of the eight dates is required to graduate. During the last class, participants will present their final projects before a graduation ceremony.

Contact Meisner with questions at 219-873-1211 or email emeisner@edcmc.com.