Step Up Savannah is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of its 2023 Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA) program. The graduation ceremony for the 2023 NLA program is scheduled to take place on December 4th at Greater Gaines Chapel Fellowship Hall. The event will feature Judge Lisa Colbert as the keynote speaker.

The 12-week initiative, designed to empower established and emerging community leaders, emphasized comprehensive leadership training, including advocacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Dr. Elsie Smalls, Operations Manager at Healthy Savannah and a former NLA graduate, facilitated the program, fostering a diverse and inclusive community that supports the opportunity for everyone to thrive.

The program, primarily offered online to ensure accessibility, engaged participants in sessions on becoming community advocates. The 2023 cohort tackled various community and neighborhood issues through a comprehensive curriculum, culminating in group projects addressing concerns such as opportunity youth, environmental and transit justice, health systems, affordable housing, and homelessness in Savannah.

Dr. Ruthie Williams, Step Up Savannah's Community Coordinator, expressed excitement about the program's impact, stating, "Our goal is to collaborate and build relationships that make long-term investments in our leadership legacy. The Neighborhood Leadership Academy provides an unparalleled opportunity for emerging leaders to engage in meaningful conversation and reflection, elevating their sense of civic responsibility."

Continuing its commitment to community engagement, Step Up Savannah partnered with The Mediation Center of Coastal Georgia for the second year. This partnership expands the NLA program by offering young adults aged 21-35 who graduate from the NLA Program the opportunity to become trained mediators for FREE through The Mediation Center.

Alicia Johnson, Executive Director of Step Up Savannah, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, "Our expanded program offerings will be one more community-level solution to help solve the racial wealth gap and economic inclusion issues faced by our community by catalyzing collaboration at the grassroots level. It empowers participants to engage in new ways and to organize around the issues that matter most to our community."

With over 264 NLA graduates serving in various community roles, this year's class marks the 16th iteration of the FREE community leadership training program. The 25 selected applicants showcase the ongoing success and impact of the NLA program in shaping community leaders in Savannah-Chatham County.