The Neighborhood Institute for Community Leadership (NICL) is the leadership development program of Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN).  NBN is committed to providing educational opportunities to community stakeholders dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods in North Carolina. The goal of the institute is to provide access to professional training and skill building opportunities in an atmosphere where leaders can build relationships, exchange information and increase individual and organizational capacity to improve the quality of life in our communities.

Training received from the institute will provide individuals with knowledge and experiences needed to build sustainable community based organizations such as neighborhood associations and Community Development Corporations (CDCs). A variety of teaching methods will be used to enhance the learning experience.  Class methods will include case analysis, discussions, role-playing exercises, and problem solving scenarios of real situations. Individuals will be able to relate information presented by trainers and other participants to their own experiences and learning goals.

Program Design

 Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods has created a in-depth training program designed to build the capacity of community leaders in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and across the state in the areas of leadership development, economic development, affordable housing, organizational development, and sustainable community building.
To accomplish this goal the institute

• Offers two bi-annual training events,
• Host an annual field trip to a neighboring community, and
• Present special workshops that address specific areas of concern for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County residents.   

NICL’s curriculum is divided into two major disciplines, the Leadership Development Discipline and the Community Development Discipline.  The Leadership Development discipline focuses on developing the skills of grassroots leaders participating in neighborhood and community development organizations that are proactive in addressing community issues. The Community Development discipline is designed specifically for board members of CDCs, nonprofits, and neighborhood associations that may be involved in development or revitalization efforts.  This track is more technical and emphasizes a knowledge base in real estate, urban planning, program development, and community economic development.  

Who Should Attend

NICL is specifically designed for:

• Neighborhood association members and leaders
• Individuals interested in organizing a new organization or rejuvenating an existing neighborhood association
• Faith-Based leaders interested in expanding or investing beyond their own membership and seeking to have a positive influence on neighborhoods through community programs.
• Nonprofit organizations which undertake activities to positively impact neighborhoods and the people they serve
• Board volunteers and staff members of Community Development Corporations
• Organizations and individuals interested in becoming involved with community development strategies and/or coalition building.

NICL Training Certificates

To earn a certificate of Completion from the NICL Leadership Development training program you must complete at least ten training sessions.  You are not required to take sessions concurrently and your certificate can be earned from either discipline or a combination of the two.  The program coordinator will keep track of all attended sessions.  Certificates of completion are presented at each spring training event for the corresponding year you complete all training requirements.