Open Buffalo works to increase Buffalo’s population of skilled change-makers. We train residents to mobilize their communities around equity issues and to take on leadership roles in community, nonprofit, and government sectors. This is accomplished through a diverse set of workshops and leadership training initiatives conducted on-site and in the field through four distinct program offerings:
Emerging Leaders is a five-month leadership development program that empowers participants with the skills, networks, and opportunities to effect meaningful change in their communities. Skills building topics include history of organizing and movement building, Buffalo/Niagara social history, community organizing, communications, advocacy, research and analysis, and campaign implementation.
Helping businesses and institutions develop anti-racist frameworks.
Open Buffalo's Youth Action program grooms leaders, and advances policies and practices that will eliminate poverty and create healthy communities and robust opportunities for young people.
A Democracy Fellowship offers an intensive, year-long program that empowers Buffalo/Niagara residents with the skills and resources required to drive organizaitons toward equity, inclusion, and long-term systems change.
Open Buffalo has trained more than 150 Emerging Leaders and has an active alumni program. This network of alumni represent a diverse pool of talent and Open Buffalo actively supports and encourages the bonds established within each cohort and as a collective network.