Thank you for writing to us at the Community Tool Box. Some good news is that there are surely more leadership development programs than we can reasonably count. What’s best for you, in your circumstances, will likely depend on:
What kind of credentials you might want to get from the program, if any – e.g., a degree, certificate, CEUs, or possibly none of the above
How you intend to apply what you’ve learned – that is, who would be your audience?
How much time, and perhaps money, you have to invest –which could range from a few weeks to a few years.
Your preferred program format – in-person, online, or hybrid
In your case, you mention a special interest in serving low-income ethnic and minority community residents, which is excellent. Two sources that might be helpful for you are the Center for Creative Leadership, at https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/leadership-development-program, and the organization Community Change, at https://communitychange.org/leadership-development/.
In addition, our own discipline of community psychology offers many graduate degree programs that include community leadership. More information can be found at https://www.scra27.org/what-we-do/education/academic-programs/. And the Community Tool Box itself offers an interactive Training Curriculum, including a module on leadership. Details are at https://ctb.ku.edu/sites/default/files/files/ctb_training_curriculum.pdf
All these are just examples. We’re quite sure you’ll find more helpful sources as you investigate further.
So to summarize, we think it makes sense first to clarify the particular aspects of a program you are looking for, as noted above, and then investigate and prioritize the different options available to you within that area.
Thanks again for being in touch; we wish much success for you and your company as your important work proceeds.
