Transforming Students, Transforming Communities
The Neighborhood Leadership Initiative (NLI) is a community-based program dedicated to young people within the Gage Park, North Lawndale and the New City Back of the Yards Communities for young people that are 13 to 15 years of age. NLI helps foster a safe space for young people to explore solutions and develop strategies around the different forms of violence they navigate through daily. NLI gives young people a safe space to connect with their peers and to work on their leadership, public speaking, social-emotional learning, researching the root causes of violence, and identifying Public Safety issues to take action on.
James Fields
Senior Program Director (NLI)
It is important for young people to have opportunities like NLI because rarely do they exist for middle school young people. Youth truly have a unique opportunity that provides them with access to employment that also gives them access to elected officials, with access to resources that are provided directly to young people and families in the communities that we serve. It gives NLI Youth access to safe spaces, support young people's wellness and creates thriving environments for them to tap into their divine power.
The impact that I've seen in our young people is that they truly practice confidence – they step-up in session for leadership roles, set the expectations and model the desired behavior for their peers. I see youth speaking up and sharing their thoughts and opinions about issues that they are passionate about. I see youth stepping outside of their comfort zone and trying to connect and build commonalities with young people who look like them and who face similar challenges.
Juleny Santa Cruz
North Lawndale Council Manager
NLI is so crucial because it gives youth in communities who would normally not have this opportunity, the chance to work on their leadership and community organizing skills. It’s important for young people to have safe spaces where they can explore their voices and experiences in brave and courageous ways while feeling uplifted and supported by the adults around them. This builds confidence and self-belief within young people and supports developing soft skills that are beneficial for a lifetime such as speaking up, being a strong leader, and becoming a critical thinker that is geared towards community and transformative solutions.
Youth have been able to make friends with youth from other communities or other schools that they wouldn’t have otherwise met. They’ve grown in their leadership to be able to speak on things that some adults still find difficult to do and work with adults in ways that are meaningful and active. Youth feel affirmed in who they are as people and feel confident in their stories and identity and that within itself is a huge impact to have on 12 through 15 year olds.
Mikva has truly been able to have an impact on the youth from these communities, their families, and all of the spaces they step into. NLI is not only an investment in the present, but an investment in the future of our communities and who those future leaders will be.
David
NLI Council Member
NLI is important for young people because we have opportunities to work in our respective neighborhoods and talk about the changes we want to see in our neighborhoods. We also have the chance to go out into our community and put those ideas into action.
For example, back in December, we hosted our Annual Community Action Day event, where we made bags that were filled with toys, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. that went to those who are in need.
Another example, was the Candidate Forum at Jones College Prep. In attendance, there were elected officials/candidates that were running for alderman and police district council. All of the young people in NLI led this event and had great discussions with the candidates about the things that are going on in our community and the changes we want to see in our respective communities.
NLI has had a positive impact on my peers as well as myself. The impact I have noticed while being in NLI is that we have become more social, developed teamwork skills, and embraced leadership roles within our council. Overall, this program has given us a safe space to get out of our comfort zones.