How Does ACLF Make Leaders?

Through the Community Leaders Program (CLP), ACLF educates its participants about the significant contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, which is often overlooked in leadership programs.  CLP is an intensive curriculum that provides training and mentorship to adults and prepares them for leadership positions and advocate for social justice in all communities.

 How does the CLP develop leaders in the API community?

• Participants will have opportunities to meet multiple generations of inspirational API leaders who are making a positive impact in the community.
• The CLP provides expert training by community leaders including executive directors of nonprofits and elected officials in skills such as public speaking, communication, community development, coalition building and media and integrates equity and social justice that are the foundation of strong communities.
• Participants complete a group project that benefits a local organization where participants have another opportunity to apply their leadership skills.
• The CLP provides networking opportunities for participants to meet community leaders and develop mentor-mentee relationships.

What’s the CLP’s objectives?

• Foster ethical, compassionate and self-reflective API leaders who promote greater social, economic and political justice.
• Build strong interpersonal relationships that promote communication, support and accountability to each other and the API community.
• Strengthen inter-group collaboration through knowledge and understanding of diverse perspectives in the API community.
• Cultivate leaders who value and practice coalition-building across all communities in order to benefit the community at large.
• Build connections between the CLP class and the greater API community.

How are the CLP participants chosen?

The 8-10 participants come from the private, nonprofit and public sectors and are chosen on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to community issues, desire to learn, and readiness to contribute to the group.