Civic Engagement Training for NYC Religious Leaders
Throughout New York City, 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 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.
Partnering with expert trainers, ICNY has created an intensive leadership development program for a select group of fifteen clergy members, lay leaders, and faith-based activists. We have worked with six cohorts of ICLA fellows since 2018, and we’re excited to work with a new cohort in the coming year. In a six-month series of weekly workshops, our ICLA fellows will explore:
- Diverse models of civic engagement and religious leadership
- Legislative and policy advocacy strategies, to make their voices heard in City Hall
- Community organizing strategies, to create lasting change in their neighborhoods
- Restorative justice practices for community-building and collective healing
- Guided reflection on leadership skills, to develop their own unique gifts as faith leaders
- Interfaith dialogue and religious diversity education, to build 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.
Here’s what past fellows have said about the Leadership Academy:
“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 build 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.
