WHO SHOULD APPLY

Community Problem Solving is a first-of-its-kind opportunity for key stakeholders to come together, in a safe and structured learning environment, to build practical skills and a deeper understanding of effective problem-solving.  It is designed for teams of civic leaders from communities who are trying to address a specific community challenge. 
Key decision-makers from community-based organizations, public agencies, faith-based organizations, public offices, and businesses–including board members, CEOs, outreach and advocacy directors, and corporate social responsibility liaisons – will attend. Teams will learn both theoretical frameworks and practical skills that will strengthen their ability to exercise effective civic leadership together.

We encourage diverse teams that reflect non-traditional alliances and include key stakeholders on all sides of the issue that the group intends to address during the program.  We pay special attention to crossing over boundaries of sector, jurisdiction, and agency.  Teams can be at varying stages of work on their issue –some may be starting a new project and others may be on their way toward implementing a plan.  Ideal teams are made up of 4-6 people, however smaller teams will be considered. Individual applications cannot be accepted.   
Teams who attended previously have focused on a variety of topics:

• Re-purposing public land for the benefit of three small towns and cities in the northeast.
• Increasing graduation rates in the minority communities of one mid-sized Southeastern city.
• Rethinking workforce re-development initiatives in a large industrial city.
• Addressing rapidly changing demographics in a rural community in the Midwest.
• Restructuring human service delivery in a rural region in the West.
• Improving youth engagement in a large East Coast city.
• Launching a collaborative cultural outreach project in a large mid-Atlantic city.

What past participants are saying about Community Problem Solving:

“The program dealt with the exact challenges I've been struggling with professionally for a few months.  I now have clear direction personally and professionally.”

 “The most helpful part of the work planning sessions was to have someone outside of our community help us see some of the hard questions and push our group forward.”

“The tools learned in Community Problem Solving will change how we take the next step in our planning and implementation process.”

“The comprehensive approach to working through our challenges, networking opportunities, and team approach made the program an excellent experience.”

No individual applications will be accepted.
Each team must choose a person to coordinate the process and be the primary contact for the team. Please see the Admission page for details.