RLP #1: Art & Science of Leadership

RLP #1

By NHS Staff  

We’re at it again! The 2014 Resident Leadership Program made its annual start this past Tuesday evening (March 18). The wonderful Leslie Radcliffe, who is a Hill resident, NHS Board Member, new City Commissioner, Truman Street Clean Green Project Coordinator, and so much more, led a very engaging discussion on "The Art and Science of Leadership."

As the first of a series of related topics, Leslie helped to convey to the nearly 20 participants that leadership is typically most successful when a creative, intentional, and structured approach is encouraged by someone guiding one or more people. The story of Rosa Parks was discussed as an exemplary example of this. Many activities facilitated the discussions that occurred throughout the night, which were great in helping everyone to feel comfortable and more knowledgeable about each other. Participating residents are not only from a diverse geographic selection, including Newhallville, West River, Dixwell, The Hill, East Rock, Fair Haven, and even Waterbury, but are also an intriguing mix of age range, occupation, culture and involvement. This diversity is exciting and important because, as Leslie highlighted, this program is set up to be a fulfilling learning experience for everyone involved. Not only do participants learn from a facilitator, but because everyone in the room has valuable skills to bring to the table, participants often share pertinent insight with each other. 

We at NHS are so pleased with the energy and inspiration that came out of this first session and have every reason to believe that this will continue as we delve into the program. Next up, on Tuesday, April 1st (no joke!), Lee Cruz, Fair Haven resident and Outreach Coordinator for the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, will join us to discuss "Mapping Community Assets."

Stay tuned for more stories about our 2014 Resident Leadership Program! If you’re interested in learning more about how to be involved in this and other similar programs, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Community Building Specialist, Stephen Cremin-Endes at (203) 562-0598 ext.22 or scremin-endes@nhsofnewhaven.org.