GreenRoots Leadership Development Program and ReNU: Brought to you by Emily

After a long drive from South Carolina, I'm here in Western New York and working in Niagara Falls!  It's been a fun experience so far and I'm learning a lot about the community here.

As the AmeriCorps ABLE at ReNU Niagara, I've been working with the GreenRoots Leadership Development Program--both with youth and adults.  GLDP aims to empower residents to improve their neighborhood, so I've been learning a lot about leadership education and community development.   The youth of GLDP have been planning a family fun day and wellness festival to take place in August, which will encourage the children of Niagara Falls to get out of the house and play outdoors for a change.  They are using the leadership skills they acquired in the training program to plan the event themselves.  So far on the agenda, we've got an obstacle course, a Kan Jam tournament, face painting, and much more!  It's been great so far getting to know some of the students from Niagara Falls High School and seeing all of their leadership abilities.

The adult program will actually be starting soon with a new wave of residents.  We had a "kick-off" event of sorts on Wednesday night, where we showed the award-winning documentary, Holding Ground: The Rebirth of Dudley Street at the NACC.  The film is about the residents of a Roxbury, MA neighborhood coming together to revitalize their community.  We are hoping to get future leaders of the GLDP and the Niagara Falls community excited about making healthy changes in the area.  A good crowd came out for the film screening (and the delicious refreshments!) and we had a good discussion afterwards.  We even were able to give attendees a free week-long membership to Advanced Care Physical Therapy, Aquatic, and Fitness Center located right here in Niagara Falls, on Main St.  The fitness center donated these passes to be used as an incentive for people to get involved with GLDP and we are very appreciative of their support!  The official start of the leadership program will be on Thursday, July 12 at 6pm.  This event will also be held at the NACC and if you're interested in attending--call the ReNU office at 205-0287 or email me at emily.gru@gmail.com.

So far, working with the GreenRoots Leadership Development Program has taught me a lot about town policies, event organization, and university procedure.  I'm excited to see what the rest of the summer will hold!