Democracy Depends on Us: Apply to BCLI

Across the region, oligarchs are leapfrogging our democratic processes. They buy influence, shape policy behind closed doors, and treat public office as another asset to acquire.

Meanwhile, too many of our elected officials answer to these high-dollar contributors, rather than to the communities who have the most at stake.

But do not despair: the antidote is to build power from the ground up! Urban Habitat’s Board and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) does just that: we make sure the people closest to the problems are the ones sitting at the tables where decisions get made.

Apply to our 18th BCLI cohort today!

The BCLI is a leadership development program that trains low-income people of color to serve as commissioners on local policymaking bodies. We practice co-governance with individuals who hold strong community relationships. Participants hone strategies that prioritize the most vulnerable among us.

The program begins with a six-month training. Through this training, participants will:

• Build the skills to serve effectively as commissioners and co-govern with integrity
• Develop confidence and skills to advance racial equity policies and processes
• Join a growing network of alumni across the region

Applications are open now through Sunday, October 18, 11:59 pm.

If you’re not planning to apply, we still need your help spreading the word:

• Know someone ready to lead? Forward this email or share the BCLI page with them.
• Part of an ally organization? Look around your membership and staff — who’s ready to take the next step in their leadership journey?

BCLI exists because the people who know what our communities need are too often left out of the room where policies are made. We’re changing that — one appointment, one commissioner at a time.

The oligarchs are buying influence. We are building power.