For the Reporter
The Kent-based Institute for Community Leadership received a $275,000 grant in Washington’s new capital budget for purchase of the program’s office building, ensuring continuation of agency operations, along with $270,000 from the state’s operating budget to provide a nonviolence and leadership training program over the next two years.
The institute works with young people and focuses on diversity, civic engagement – especially in schools – and service-oriented projects.
“Orchestration of the Institute for Community Leadership’s volunteer coordinating and day-to-day work with schools and communities takes place in the program office building at our education center,” said Roy Wilson, executive director. “This timely capital appropriation affirms our state’s commitment to promoting creative character development and leadership opportunities for young people, and their families. These young leaders teach classes and facilitate programming in communities and schools across the state. This recognizes the value of young people working together to create positive changes in school and community life, as well as the importance of the role of youth leadership in addressing vital community needs.”
Students from the program visited the state Legislature in February on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as guests of Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn). Students joined the Senate to honor Dr. King and had the opportunity present in front of the Senate’s Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee to discuss Dr. King’s legacy and the importance of education.
“I’m incredibly pleased that we were successful in prioritizing funds for this group that is doing great things for the young leaders in our community,” said Fain, who helped secure funding in both the operating and capital budgets for the organization. “Having visited with students involved in the program I am well aware of the impact their work will have on future leaders in our community. Learning the value of diversity, hard work, compassion, and leadership at a young age and then modeling it for others is the best way to create strong families and communities.”
The institute provides classes, community service, and cultural leadership exchanges throughout the year. During all school breaks, including summer, students and families engage in hands-on projects at their headquarters working the land, exploring and developing culture, learning with elders and other community service work.
The agency also offers teacher training and community leadership classes in their curriculum, which includes a research-based teaching and learning program that demonstrates increased academic achievement and civic engagement for youth of many diverse backgrounds.
“The funding is a great investment in local youth and I’m pleased to help support the work of such a dedicated organization,” Fain said. “The unique facilities are essential to the programs they offer and will help provide them with the necessary tools to continue their work.”
For more information on the Institute for Community Leadership, please visit www.icleadership.org.
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