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Two California communities celebrate new leaders

By Victoire S. Chochezi, RCAC public affairs specialist 

Training strengthens Mendocino County leadership

An ambitious new group of Mendocino County community leaders graduated recently from a comprehensive leadership development training program. Participants gained skills and tools to be resourceful, effective community leaders and, when their class project is complete, the Indian Senior Center in Ukiah will have a much-needed facelift.

Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) conducted the Mendocino County Native community leadership development program in partnership with Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority. Wells Fargo and Bank of America provided the major funding. RCAC has special permission and certification to conduct the training from The Ford Family Foundation, which developed the curriculum.

The training strengthens skills in individuals and provides groups with techniques and opportunities to work together. Taught over the course of four weekends in four months, the course involves 60 hours of class work. Participants learn first hand what it takes to work in groups of people with different interests and backgrounds by choosing a class project that directly benefits their community.

Because elders are such an important part of Native culture, the Mendocino group swiftly agreed to focus on giving the Indian Senior Center in Ukiah a much-needed facelift. The group has already begun fundraising and has collected more than $5,000 to upgrade electrical elements, replace chairs, fixtures and signage and to build community garden boxes for the seniors to enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables.

The graduation ceremony took place at Consolidated Tribal Health Project Inc.’s Wellness Center just outside of Ukiah. There were 15 graduates who are now eager to take on a variety of community challenges and projects. The group was comprised of representatives from more than seven different tribes and non-tribal members, who came with a diverse level of skill and experience.

Leadership training empowers San Joaquin farm worker community

RCAC also delivered the leadership development training in San Joaquin, where eight dedicated community leaders completed the program.

For San Joaquin’s project the group decided to plant shade trees throughout the community. San Joaquin has very hot summers with little shade. Residents walk regularly, and this new leadership group will make a great improvement to the community using their newly acquired and/or honed skills.

“This leadership training has helped us as community members to learn and become united to make a difference in our communities. These trainings were very essential because they motivated and demonstrated the process of working as a team, as well as steps that can be taken to make a change. The impact is noticeable because it has school, city officials and other community members working together on our first, but not last project of planting shade trees around the community,” said Angelica Larios, San Joaquin community resource liaison and leadership development program participant.

Seven of the eight program participants are farm workers, few speak English and all are women.

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