The goal of Open Buffalo’s leadership development programs is to unlock the power we hold in our communities and use it to transform systems of oppression into systems of opportunity and abundance. To do this, we develop leaders from communities directly impacted by racial, economic, and ecological injustices; resource them with the tools and networks to drive systems change; and create pathways for them to take on leadership roles in community, nonprofit, and government sectors. We offer a diverse set of workshops and leadership training initiatives. Our ongoing leadership development program offerings include Youth Action and the Emerging Leaders program, with other training opportunities periodically available such as organizing boot camps for various age groups, Just Transition trainings, and more.
For information on upcoming training opportunities, contact our Director of Leadership Development, Leslie Nickerson, at leslie@openbuffalo.org.
Open Buffalo's leadership program offerings include::
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.
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.