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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 an 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.
Additional RLA Curriculum
- Heat Risk Education Curriculum
The Heat Risk Education Curriculum is a set of PowerPoints and facilitator guides meant to support community leaders and residents involved in community engagement work. The curriculum covers strategies for communicating about global warming and heat risk to the community to motivate behavior change, and covers topics such as global warming, heat illnesses, at-risk groups, prevention, and taking action.
RLA Resources & Opportunities
View the Community Health Improvement Partner's Resident Leadership Academy page for the latest on meetings and trainings.
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
Job Hunt Redefined: Approaching Unemployment as a Full-Time Venture
Making Connections, Finding Opportunities
Author: Live Well San Diego Data Team
Unemployment data points to challenges faced by local communities, particularly in economic downturns. According to the Employment Development Department, the unemployment rate in San Diego County was 4% in June 2023 and the rate for California was 4.9% during the same period. The unemployment rate has significantly improved as the Live Well San Diego Unemployment Indicator was 7.3% during 2021. Thus, significant progress has been made by local organizations and agencies in San Diego County.
Beyond the Graphs: Unemployment Data and Growth Industries
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the decade’s next fastest growing occupations, with healthcare workers, renewable energy technicians, and service industry workers shaping the employment field.
Thriving through Unemployment: The Importance of Emotional Self-Care
Unemployment can result from various factors and can significantly affect one's emotional well-being—acknowledging these emotional challenges and seeking support through professional counselors or family and friends is essential for maintaining a positive outlook during this challenging period. A support group can lighten the burden and pave the way for valuable insights and perspectives.
Networking for Success: Unleashing the Power of Workshops and Job Fairs
Job fairs and networking events offer an opportunity to connect with potential employers, explore new career paths, and access valuable career resources. Attendees can learn about participating companies to help tailor a better-targeted job search.
From Unemployment to Empowerment: Embracing Job Search as Your Full-Time Venture
Embracing a job search as a full-time venture can turn a challenging period into a journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Believe in yourself and your abilities, knowing that the right opportunity will come your way with perseverance and determination.
Self-Reflection and Goal Setting:
- Reflect on your skills, passions, and career aspirations and set achievable goals. Define the kind of work that aligns with your values, interests, and expertise.
Leveraging the Power of Professional Networks:
- Attend industry events, job fairs, and workshops to connect with like-minded individuals. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and friends and seek potential referrals.
Staying Organized and Disciplined:
- Update online profiles (e.g., LinkedIn) and keep a record of submitted job applications and follow-ups. Stay committed to the plan, even when the going gets tough.
Recognized Partner – San Diego Workforce Partnership
The San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) is dedicated to advancing economic prosperity and employment opportunities in San Diego County. SDWP provides a range of services and assistance programs to help San Diego residents find employment and improve their job prospects by operating career centers, training and education, and job placement services to understand the workforce's needs.
Visit the San Diego Workforce Partnership to learn about their services, upcoming events, and workshops.
Indicator Series: Unemployment Rate
The Top 10 Live Well San Diego Indicators define what it means to live well in San Diego. Measured across the lifespan among all residents, the indicators capture the collective impact of programs, services and interventions provided by government and community partners striving to improve quality of life so that all San Diego County residents can be healthy, safe, and thriving.
The Unemployment Rate Indicator measures the percent of the total civilian labor force that is unemployed. Efforts by the community and Live Well San Diego partners have been moving this indicator in the right direction by combining efforts and resources to create a holistic and sustainable approach to reduce unemployment rates, empower individuals, and strengthen the local economy.
Connect with San Diego County's Professional Growth Pioneers
If you are interested on discovering further information available in San Diego County, explore the following institutions that are committed to creating avenues for professional growth:
Getting San Diego Data is Easy!
To access Employment Development Department data, visit the Unemployment Benefits Data website. Additionally, you can find more data at our County of San Diego Data Portal website.
Our open data program encourages the use of public data that the County of San Diego has published to spark innovation, promote public collaboration, increase government transparency, and inform decision making.
I’d Like to Know More
The Live Well San Diego Team specialists who publish data news stories are dedicated public health professionals. For more news stories, please refer to our department website.