NLDP Cleveland

🚨 STOP! Don't scroll past this reminder...

There are only hours left to apply to participate in NLDP's Cohort XIX. Join our network of 350+ neighborhood-based leaders who are striving to create positive change in their communities each and every day.

Applications are due at 5pm today. Don't miss out: https://loom.ly/UAUYFOY

Leadership can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be.

NLDP connects you with hundreds of leaders across Cleveland who share your vision for progress. Together, graduates are building a stronger city, one neighborhood at a time.

⏰ Applications to participate in NLDP's Cohort XIX are due this Friday, July 31st. Don't miss your chance to join the NLDP community: https://loom.ly/UAUYFOY

This is what Cleveland looks like.

Not the skyline. Not the landmarks.

The people who show up, invest in others and believe our neighborhoods deserve strong leadership.

Our incredible NLDP and CDC Leadership Program coaches gathered at last month's Coaches Retreat to celebrate the work of developing leaders across the city. Behind every coach — and, graduate — of our leadership programs is a shared belief: Cleveland gets stronger when leaders grow together.

Applications for both programs close July 31st. Help us find the next generation of leaders who will continue to shape Cleveland's neighborhoods.

💜 Apply for CDCLP Cohort VI: https://loom.ly/fr2hHJw
💚 Apply for NLDP Cohort XIX: https://loom.ly/UAUYFOY

❔ Who do you know in the community?

Almost two weeks ago, NLDP graduates invited leaders they know to learn more about our skills-based leadership program. Attendees received information about our 16-session curriculum, program coaching and graduate support — the three core pillars of NLDP.

Attendees also had an opportunity to hear directly from graduates of our program, ask questions they had about our program and network with fellow attendees and graduates. Out of our 68 total attendees, we met 25 guests and connected with 43 graduates. And, we have received 7 applications so far from our event guests... let's keep that number growing!

Thank you to our Graduate Committee for helping us plan, execute and make the evening so welcoming. We look forward to seeing the connections sparked at this event continue to grow!

✨ Interested in becoming part of the next generation of neighborhood leaders? Recruitment is now open for NLDP Cohort XIX... learn more here: https://loom.ly/UAUYFOY

Special shout-out to a few of the artists in the room who left behind some of their artwork. 🫶

🌟 NLDP 2026 Graduate Grantee Spotlight Series 🌟
Graduate Grantee: Tracy Patton Cohort XV

Meet Tracy Patton, founder of Survived to Live for Women in Recovery and creator of the Stolen Moments Project. Designed for senior women in Cleveland’s Ward 5, Stolen Moments addresses a growing but often overlooked need—social isolation, loneliness and loss of purpose among older adults, particularly women of color and women in recovery.

Through weekly gatherings focused on wellness, creativity, cultural connection and harm reduction, Tracy is restoring joy, belonging and community during a time when many seniors feel disconnected. The program meets women where they are—both physically and emotionally—while creating space for laughter, learning and healing.

Stolen Moments reminds us that it’s never too late for connection—and that community is essential at every stage of life.

📣 ICYMI: Meet Our New Program Director, Joe Black!

Many in our network already know Joe as a passionate community leader, but he's also a proud graduate of NLDP Cohort VIII and a former Coach who has helped countless participants strengthen their leadership skills and community impact.

Now, Joe is stepping into the role of Program Director of NLDP and our sister-program, CDCLP, bringing with him a deep understanding of the experience in our leadership programs and a strong vision for the future.

His appointment comes at the perfect time—as we continue recruiting for NLDP Cohort XIX! If you've been looking for an opportunity to grow as a neighborhood leader, connect with changemakers from across Cleveland and strengthen your ability to create positive change, now is the time to apply.

Learn more and apply today for NLDP's Cohort XIX: https://loom.ly/UAUYFOY

🔎 Looking Back to NLDP Cohort XVIII: Session 13

Session 13, Program Marketing & Communications, provided participants with practical tools and strategies to help them share their stories, engage their audiences and improve their marketing efforts overall. Led by Audra T. Jones of Krystal Klear Communications and Josh Jones Forbes of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, the session focused on how effective marketing can strengthen organizations, community initiatives and neighborhood impact.

We learned how to...
🔹 Understand the foundations of marketing and branding
🔹 Identify key audiences and tailor messages to reach them effectively
🔹 Utilize grassroots and neighborhood-based marketing strategies
🔹 Develop content plans that inform, inspire and invite action
🔹 Craft and confidently deliver a compelling elevator pitch that communicates mission and impact

Participants also had the opportunity to put these concepts into practice through a variety of hands-on activities, including an opportunity to share their elevator pitches for feedback from a panel of coaches and faculty.

✋ DON'T FORGET: NLDP is still recruiting for community-based leaders to join Cohort XIX! Don't miss out on your chance to experience all that NLDP has to offer. Applications are due July 31st; learn more here: https://loom.ly/UAUYFOY

🌟 NLDP 2026 Graduate Grantee Spotlight Series 🌟

Meet Dava Cansler, founder and Executive Director of Foluke Cultural Arts Center, a nonprofit that focuses on strengthening and supporting under-resourced communities by providing access to performing arts, visual arts and arts education. Dava is currently working on the FolukeARTS Media PhotoLab, an out-of-school-time program empowering youth in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood through creative media and storytelling. Designed as both a leadership development space and early workforce pipeline, the PhotoLab teaches photography, videography, editing and podcasting.

Youth gain hands-on experience with professional tools while learning collaboration, ethical storytelling and project management—skills that translate into real-world opportunities. The program addresses limited access to creative technology and safe after-school spaces, while shifting narratives by positioning young people as community storytellers.

By amplifying youth voices and building transferable skills, Dava is helping participants see themselves as creators, leaders and contributors to Cleveland’s creative ecosystem.

👉 Learn more about Foluke Cultural Arts Center here: https://loom.ly/L3qYz5U
📸 Photos from Foluke Cultural Arts Center, Inc.

🫶 Supporting Our Community 🫶

Join us in celebrating a special graduate-led event hosted by NLDP graduates Linda Howard (Cohort XVI) and Tatianna Marie Burks (C-XVIII)!

🎉 2nd Annual One Big Family Reunion
A free community gathering designed to bring people together like family—no matter where you come from.
📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 15401 Miles Ave, Cleveland, OH 44126

Bring the whole family and enjoy:
✨ Games for kids
🍿 Snacks & treats
💦 Splash pad fun
🎁 Raffle baskets
🎶 Music, good vibes & community love

We love seeing our graduates come together to turn their vision into action and create opportunities that enliven their communities. Stop by, connect with neighbors and be part of a day filled with fun, fellowship and community spirit!

You know what your community needs most.

NLDP helps you lead with purpose through helping you strengthen your skills and create meaningful change in your community. If you’re ready for a life-changing leadership experience, now's your chance.

👉 Learn more about our toolkit here: https://loom.ly/9RqqswQ