In today’s polarized political landscape, communities across the nation are grappling with divisive issues that strain the very fabric of their social cohesion. Recognizing the urgent need for constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, the National Civic League, in partnership with Ohio State, Stanford, and Fordham Law Schools, is proud to announce a series of multi-day Academy training programs designed for civic leaders.
The next Academy program takes place this summer on June 16-18 at the Fordham Law School in NYC, with another academy scheduled for the fall at Stanford Law School. For each academy, we are seeking four communities to send delegations of seven to eight leaders (with about half coming from city infrastructure and half coming from the community) who are interested in using dispute resolution and dispute systems design concepts to address difficult challenges in the community. The delegation may want to focus on a particular area, like policing, or on problem-solving in general. Thanks to a grant from the AAA-ICDR Foundation, hotel accommodations, airfare, and meals will be provided to Academy participants.
More than a dozen communities have participated in the Divided Community Project’s Academy program, including large cities like Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Charlotte, NC, and Winston-Salem, NC; mid-sized communities like Charlottesville, VA, and Canton, OH; as well as smaller communities including Cheverly, MD, Bloomington, IN, and Midwest City, OK. Case studies illustrating outcomes from the Academy program are available for Bloomington, IN, and Winston-Salem, NC. For quick highlights, take a look at this video clip from Academy participant and former Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney.
Consider completing your Academy application before the March 5th deadline using this google form! For more information about the Academy review the informational flyer, visit the website, or email cschillings@fordham.edu.
