Community Leadership update

During the month of September, UPO engaged 10-12 community residents in a Community Leadership Academy. This Academy provided residents with an opportunity to select an issue that was important to them and develop their writing, speaking, and presentation skills to help them become more effective activists. Topics such as public education, HIV, parenting programs, mental health services, and the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist were of concern to these dedicated community residents. Each week, residents learned about critical skills such as community organizing, public speaking, accessing community resources, and the importance of persistence and dedication. Special community “guest stars” provided the instruction including Reverend Anthony Motley, Ms. Brenda Smith from Toastmasters, Ms. Brenda Jones from Parklands Community Center, and Cornel Roop from Bolling Air Force Base. UPO “super star staff” as well provided assistance with cover letters, resumes, and dress for success workshops.

After four weeks of intense work, our community leaders were ready to present their issues and solutions at our graduation event. A panel of community leaders including the Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander and Drew Hubbard, a representative from the Ward 8 Councilmember’s office were present. Other panelist included Herb Jones, Office of Peoples Council, Sandra Seegars, ANC Commissioner, Yvonne Moore, ANC Commissioner, and Carol Casperson former Executive of DC Habitat for Humanity. The Community Leaders were professional, with prepared written testimonies that were distributed to panelist and succinctly made their case for why: schools needed additional funding, HIV services needed to be offered in community centers, parenting programs made a difference and should be funded, the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist needed to be addressed, and how psychotherapy changes lives. The testimonies were enlightening and gave each of the panelists some additional input on things that mattered to their constituents. As the first class of Community Leaders graduated, they walked away with more than just a certificate. They walked away with contacts, connections, resources, and enhanced skill sets that better equipped them to be heard about issues that matter to residents of the District of Columbia.

As this group moved forward, the mission is for each to teach one as we build up the next group of Community Leaders. Yet as UPO’s commitment to enhance community leadership continues, issues that matter to communities continue spring forth, requiring community input and outcry. Just recently, PEPCO announced its desire to increase the utility rates, which will translate into higher energy bills for every DC resident. The Peoples Council has declared that there is no need for this rate increase and in fact, a rate decrease may be more appropriate. On November 19th, the Public Service Commission will hold a hearing regarding PEPCO’s request for a 51.7 million dollar rate increase. We hope that events like the Community Leadership Academy and others will encourage individuals to speak out at the hearing. The voice of the people does matter. And an organized voice in one tune will be the most effective in creating change.

Call UPO’s Community Engagement office if you are interested in speaking at the Public Service Commission’s PEPCO hearing and/or getting assistance with your written testimony. Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about the Community Leadership Academy, contact Shirley Price, Community Engagement Manager at (202) 610-5900 for more details.

By Sheila Strain Clark, director, UPO Asset Development Division