Community Activists Graduate

The Leadership Training Institute, launched in January by the Crown Heights Community Mediation Center, held a graduation and awards presentation ceremony for its members on Tuesday.

In attendance were representatives of many city and state officials.

Speeches were delivered by two of the graduates, Ari Kievman and Jenelle Welch.

The event was organized by Molli Spevak and Amy Ellenbogen who are very active in helping many people in the Crown Heights community.

The Leadership Training Institute was launched to train community members who are dedicated to working together to improve Crown Heights.

Over thirty people took part in the program, joining teachers, city workers, federal government workers, social workers, MBA’s, foster parents, grandparents, union leaders, entrepreneurs, a rabbi, a preacher, and people of all different ages.

Those who joined say it’s because they are all passionate about “giving back” to the community and have hope that they can make Crown Heights a better place for all residents.

The group met almost biweekly for six months and learned from experts about networking, community organizing, grant writing, coalition building, event planning and working with the media. In addition to these educational sessions, the members of the Institute worked on a very successful project together along with the 71st Pct, enhancing the annual community day parade and fair.