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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
- 05/15/2023 11:47 AM
Data Stories
The Great Outdoors: How Outdoor Physical Activity Can Transform Your Life
- 05/09/2023 3:03 PM
Gardening Helps Teachers Grow Classroom Nature Programs
- 05/09/2023 3:01 PM
RLA Graduates Equipped to Support Community Improvement
- 05/09/2023 2:57 PM
Current and Former Foster Youth Are Not Alone
- 05/09/2023 2:51 PM
Basking in Nature at the YMCA Kinship Family Garden Project
- 05/09/2023 2:28 PM
Fresh Food Sales Grow as Small Markets Transform Produce Sections
- 05/09/2023 12:58 PM
Swimming Upstream Program Helps Young Women Navigate Rough Waters of Teen Life
- 05/09/2023 12:46 PM
Engaging Playgrounds Improve Mental and Physical Health
- 05/09/2023 12:36 PM
3 Ways to Increase Happiness by Decreasing Financial Stress
- 05/09/2023 12:29 PM
Frequent Exercise Fights Depression, Boosts Postpartum Mental Health
- 05/09/2023 11:19 AM
Urban Street Angels Turns a Life of Struggle Into One of Opportunity
- 04/28/2023 9:37 AM
SDREACH Improves and Expands Lactation Support in San Diego County
- 04/28/2023 9:35 AM
Soccer Fans Who Get a Kick Out of Reading Score Tickets
- 04/24/2023 1:56 PM
Data Stories
Changes in Greenhouse Gas Emissions since 2016: An Overview Among Participating ReCAP Cities in San Diego County
- 04/24/2023 1:15 PM
Data Stories
Passenger Cars and Light Duty Vehicles are the Highest Emission Source in San Diego County
- 04/18/2023 8:32 AM
Transform Your Life, Hit Your Goals With Small Habits
- 04/17/2023 5:53 PM
Unicorn Homes Create Safe Space For LGBTQ Residents
- 04/17/2023 3:51 PM
Saving The Planet, One Orange at a Time
- 04/17/2023 3:36 PM
Thrust Into The Internet World, Ex-Prisoner Finds Help, Hope, Heartens Others
- 04/17/2023 2:34 PM
Pets Do the Trick at Home of Guiding Hands