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Resident Leadership Academies
Resident Leadership Academies (RLAs) are multi-week training programs for San Diego County residents who want to learn how to improve their local communities. Training sessions focus on topics such as community leadership, crime prevention and safety, land use and active transportation, and healthy food systems. Residents learn skills and best practices to address the issues that most affect their communities, and they work alongside their neighbors to help improve quality of life where they live. Upon graduation, attendees have new knowledge and access to a support network to help them lead community improvement projects.
RLA Updates and Opportunities
Many individuals and organizations are involved in Resident Leadership Academies across the County. The latest updates can be found on social media.
RLA Curriculum
Those who would like to facilitate a RLA can find the Facilitator/Train the Trainer and Participant materials below. The RLA Curriculum consists of a Participant Manual, modifiable PowerPoints, and various templates and handouts. The curriculum covers subjects such as Community Building Principles, Social Determinants of Health, Land Use and Community Planning, and more.
The County of San Diego currently has two approved RLA curriculums available. For groups funded for a particular RLA session or project, the version of the curriculum to be used will be determined by your funder (see links below). For all other groups, either version, or elements from both, may be used for the trainings.
- 1st Edition Curriculum
1st edition curriculum covers resident-driven community improvement efforts, including community building principles, neighborhood assessment activities and strategies for stakeholder engagement. - 2nd Edition Curriculum
2nd edition curriculum expands on the 1st edition to include embedded activities, reflection questions and content on smoke-free environments and climate change.
RLA Resources & Opportunities
Bi-Monthly RLA Council Meetings
Meetings to provide additional training, discuss RLA updates, and to engage with other RLA practitioners. Anyone in the RLA network (graduates/residents, facilitators, CBOs and agencies supporting RLA) is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Technical Assistance (TA) for RLA Practitioners
TA is provided by the County to any RLA Practitioner involved with RLAs. TA may consist of assistance with planning of future RLAs, and development, refining, and implementation of Community Improvement Projects (CIPs), for example. For groups funded for a particular RLA session or project, the TA provider will be determined by your funder.
RLA Network Supplemental Training Workshops for Current RLA Practitioners
Supplemental trainings are available to anyone in the RLA network (graduates/residents, facilitators). These trainings focus on expanding leadership skills and offering opportunities for current RLA practitioners to engage with one another. The supplemental trainings may cover, but are not limited to, such topics as: Presentation Skills, Meeting Facilitation, and/or Applying for Resources.
New Facilitator Training/Train the Trainer Seminars
Seminar participants attend 3-4 full days of training, which consist of a detailed review of the curriculum, facilitation practice and tips for RLA planning and coordination. One or more new facilitator trainings per year will be offered through 2019.
Contact us for additional information on any of the resources listed above, or to learn about RLAs happening in your community.
RLA Success Stories
Breastfeeding Coalition Expands Free Support Warmline to Include English, Spanish, and Tagalog
Author: Christina Lares, Coordinator, San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition
The San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition, a local organization with over 29 years of experience protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its free breastfeeding support warmline.
Starting in June, the warmline will now offer assistance to callers in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, ensuring that individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds have access to valuable breastfeeding support services.
Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of maternal and infant health, and the San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition understands the significance of providing comprehensive support to individuals and families. With the expansion of the warmline's language options, the coalition aims to reach a wider audience, empowering them with accurate information, referrals and guidance to make informed decisions regarding breastfeeding.
Board President of the San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition, Kiera Schminke, local educator and breastfeeding mom herself shares, “The coalition's aim is to facilitate a seamless process of connecting individuals with the rich network of local lactation consultants, support groups, and other breastfeeding resources that can make a significant difference in their breastfeeding experience”.
The free breastfeeding support warmline is also available as a resource for hospitals, community clinics, social services, and other organizations seeking referrals for their clients and patients. We ask the community for their support in sharing this resource widely among their clients and colleagues. The warmline's experienced and compassionate lactation education counselors are ready to provide professional assistance and connect individuals with local breastfeeding resources tailored to their specific needs.
To access the free breastfeeding support warmline families, hospitals, community clinics, social services, and others can reach by calling 1-800-371-MILK (6455).
The Breastfeeding Support Warmline Expansion is possible thanks to funding made possible by a grant collaboration with Global Communities Healthy Start Program and United Healthcare.
About San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition:
Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of our community by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding through education, outreach, advocacy, and service. We strive to make breastfeeding possible by working with mothers, businesses, health care professionals, community advocates, and passionate individuals. Through initiatives such as the free breastfeeding support warmline, the San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition provides education, resources, and referrals to empower individuals and families in their breastfeeding journeys. The coalition believes in the power of collaboration and aims to create a community where breastfeeding support is readily available to all who seek it.