Civic Engagement Training and Interfaith Dialogue for Diverse New York Religious Leaders
Throughout New York, religious leaders from every faith tradition are working to create positive change for their own communities and the city as a whole. But all too often they are working alone — without a strong network of interfaith ties, or knowledge of the city’s civic institutions. With support from the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation and the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, ICNY’s Interfaith Civic Leadership Academy gives diverse religious leaders the tools they need to make a difference.
Working with expert trainers from leading nonprofits, we have created an intensive leadership development program for a select group of fifteen clergy members, lay leaders, and faith-based activists. In a five-month series of evening workshops, our ICLA fellows explore:
- Diverse models of civic engagement and religious leadership
- Legislative and policy advocacy strategies, to make their voices heard in City Hall
- Grass-roots community organizing strategies, to create lasting change in their neighborhoods
- Guided reflection on leadership skills, to develop their own unique gifts as faith leaders
- Interfaith dialogue and diversity education, to build personal relationships across faith lines
Our fellows then apply what they’ve learned in community projects — working individually or collaboratively to contribute to the civic life of New York. Each fellow receives $500 in grant funding to support their community project, as well as a $500 personal stipend to recognize their time commitment and cover their expenses. We hope you’ll apply to be an ICLA fellow.
To get a sense of our ICLA fellows’ experiences, you can click here to watch a brief video about the inaugural 2017-2018 cohort, and read what past fellows have said about the program:
- “The information I learned was invaluable and accessible. I am beyond grateful for the experience — the ICLA program was life-changing for me.”
- “The workshop topics and presenters were well curated. The information shared was always necessary, informative, and eye-opening.”
- “The richness of the diversity of those who participated was a wonderful experience. It made me rethink some of my own gifts and leadership skills.”
- “ICNY staff was wonderful – warm, welcoming and professional. Amazing people who truly have a passion for this work.
- “The most valuable thing I learned is that I am truly a part of this city, and now a part of this harmonious, beautiful family.”
Please join us as we work together, across faith lines, to create a more just and inclusive city for all New Yorkers. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about the Interfaith Civic Leadership Academy.
