Nexus Community Partners and YWCA St. Paul are proud to announce a new home for the Neighborhood Leadership Program (NLP)!
For nearly three decades, the Neighborhood Leadership Program has provided a space for people to build their own leadership, nurture the leadership of others, increase their sense of purpose, and practice taking values-based action in their communities. NLP was housed at Amherst H. Wilder until 2021 when it found a new home at Nexus Community Partners, where its tradition of supporting and strengthening leaders continued and grew.
Nexus is excited to transition NLP to YWCA St. Paul because of their deep commitment to community and their mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA St. Paul will honor the program’s legacy and will remain steadfast on building strong, resilient communities by equipping local leaders with the skills, resources, and support they need to drive meaningful change.
By combining their expertise in health equity, racial justice, and women’s empowerment with the robust foundation of NLP, YWCA St. Paul will amplify their collective impact. Here are some of the ways that YWCA St. Paul plans to integrate NLP into its current suite of initiatives:
Strengthening Community-Led Initiatives: The integration of NLP will allow both organizations to support community-led initiatives more effectively. By providing resources, mentorship, and technical assistance to emerging leaders, we will empower them to champion initiatives that drive systemic change in their own neighborhoods. This community-centric approach ensures that policy solutions are grounded in the lived experiences of those most affected by inequities.
Integrating Leadership Development with Advocacy Training: In addition to learning the core principles of leadership and collective impact, participants will gain a deep understanding of the policymaking process, learn effective advocacy strategies, and develop the skills needed to influence legislative and regulatory changes. This training will empower community leaders to become formidable advocates for systemic change.
Amplifying BIPOC Voices in Public Policy Advocacy: The Neighborhood Leadership Program has a rich history of nurturing diverse leaders who are deeply connected to their communities. By incorporating NLP into YWCA St. Paul, we will harness the collective power of these leaders to amplify their voices in the policy space – supporting them as they advocate for policies that address the root causes of inequities, particularly those affecting women and people of color.
Building a Robust Leadership Network: The integration of Nexus’ Neighborhood Leadership Program (NLP) with Young Women’s Initiative (a program offered in collaboration with the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the Governor’s Office) presents a unique opportunity to offer shared learning and engagement opportunities, cultivate meaningful community connections, and foster intergenerational transformative leadership.
Elevating Health Equity in Leadership and Policy Discussions: Health equity is a cornerstone of YWCA St. Paul’s mission. With NLP’s integration, we will place a greater emphasis on advocating for health policies and implementing initiatives that promote equitable access to care, address social determinants of health, and eliminate health disparities.
Economic Development & Social Entrepreneurship: Aligning with YWCA St. Paul’s commitment to creating sustainable, community-driven social enterprises that address systemic inequities, NLP’s comprehensive leadership development program will be enhanced with modules specifically designed to address economic development. Participants will learn about economic strategies, financial literacy, and community wealth-building, equipping them with the knowledge to drive economic initiatives in their communities while implementing innovative solutions to social issues.
YWCA St. Paul and Nexus Community Partners share a commitment to working toward a future where all people can explore and express the depths of who they are and to providing opportunities to lead the change we want to see. NLP will continue to nurture communities of leaders who will drive persistent and dynamic systemic change for years to come.
For information about the Neighborhood Leadership Program, please contact:
Maricruz Lozano Rios; mlozanorios@ywcastpaul.org.
In community,
Ashley Booker, CEO Repa Mekha, President & CEO
YWCA St. Paul Nexus Community Partners
