Civic Leadership Training Initiative
Queens Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Queens Public Library's Civic Leadership Training Initiative ("CLTI") provides workshops, forums, and other resources that promote the development of skills that equip community residents to assume active roles within local public institutions such as community boards and school leadership teams, neighborhood coalitions, and civic groups.
CLTI gathers content experts, thought-leaders, speakers, and facilitators to share ideas, opinions, skills, and resources with the public; and help shape future community champions.
Challenge/Opportunity
The continued involvement of the public is essential to the fabric of democracy. Socio-economic and political decisions are influenced through the opinions and beliefs of informed citizens; and have a major impact in shaping the policies and direction of the nation.
However, the resources to deconstruct, comprehend and participate in the democratic process is not readily available to everyone.
The CLTI provides access to credible and reliable forms of information and opportunities that create and nurture civic minded individuals capable of making informed choices that positively impact the well-being of the community.
Key Elements of Innovation
The Civic Leadership Training Initiative conducts regularly scheduled workshops covering a variety of topics including (but not limited to),
• Public Speaking / Persuasive Arguments
• Community Leadership 101
• Seven Strategies for Community Change
• Community Partnerships 101
• Climate Education and Emergency Preparedness
The workshops use both theoretical and practical approaches that incorporate presentations, scenarios, and discussions to give examples of diverse leadership styles and allows working professionals and community advocates to learn together and share experiences and information.
The CLTI transforms public libraries from only offering community service/volunteer opportunities to the public by asking, "How can a public library prepare others to serve the community?", and strengthens the library's standing as a trusted community institution.
Achieved Outcomes
Since its inception in 2021, Queens Public Library has conducted nearly 20 leadership workshop sessions, training over 700 people and reaching
participants in the United States, Europe, and Australia.
The library has partnered with city agencies, nonprofit organizations, and experienced facilitators to deliver workshops, including NYC Emergency Management, Citizens Committee for Children, and Emmy winner, Jessica Chen.
Based on post surveys, overall feedback has been positive from attendees. Some comments include:
"We need more of these. Very good for individuals and community members"
"Wonderful sector of the library!"
"Great presenter and presentation. This would be great as a weekly series."
"I inquired regarding Grant writing workshop at Central Library and was directed to it. Thank you all immensely."
“This is by far the best webinar I have
ever attended. The time suited me great also! The 9am start for me here in Australia."
