Of ten participants in the inaugural Sisters Civic Leadership Academy, seven have already taken on new local leadership positions.
Applications are now being accepted for the second cohort of the Sisters Civic Leadership Academy. A project of the City of Sisters and Citizens4Community (C4C), the Academy is designed to build a broader pool of future leaders for local committees, boards, and organizations.
The Academy uses a civic leadership training model developed by Portland State University’s National Policy Consensus Center (NPCC). Over 6 weeks, participants will receive a crash course in local government operations, leadership skills, and team problem solving. They’ll also research a City-assigned local challenge, produce a report, and present their findings to City Council.
The Academy will run on Mondays, April 14 through May 19, from 5-8 PM at City Hall, followed by a final presentation to City Council on June 11. There is no fee to participate, and complimentary meals, childcare, and accessibility services are available to all participants.
Community members over the age of 16 who reside within the Sisters School District boundary or Camp Sherman can learn more, view eligibility criteria, and apply at citizens4community.com/academy. Applications are available in English and Spanish, and must be submitted by February 28th. No prior leadership experience is necessary to apply.
C4C is also hosting an info session at The Barn on Tuesday, February 11 from 5:15-6 PM, where prospective applicants can chat with program organizers and 2024 Academy alumni.
“Our 2024 Academy was a huge success,” said Kerry Prosser, Sisters’ Assistant City Manager. “Of the ten members in our inaugural cohort, seven have already taken on new community leadership roles, including on City Council, City advisory committees, and local nonprofit boards. We’re excited to be bringing the Academy back this year.”
10-12 community members will be selected for the 2025 Academy, with priority given to individuals who are new to civic leadership and live within city limits. The Academy will be facilitated by staff from NPCC, who have led similar programs in the Cities of Hillsboro and Hermiston. The curriculum focuses on practical skills and knowledge crucial for effective leadership in Sisters Country.
City of Sisters staff will be on hand throughout the Academy to provide participants with an inside look at how the town is run. C4C will take the lead on ensuring a positive and welcoming experience for all participants.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to get more involved in the community,” said Kellen Klein, Executive Director of C4C. “We’re hoping to attract folks from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and lived experiences. The Academy is designed to be a low-barrier way to take that first step into civic life.”
The 2025 Sisters Civic Leadership Academy is possible thanks to generous support from the City of Sisters, The Ford Family Foundation, and Sisters-based Roundhouse Foundation. For more information about the Academy, visit citizens4community.com/academy or email Kerry Prosser, Assistant City Manager – kprosser@ci.sisters.or.us.
About Citizens4Community (C4C):
Citizens4Community (C4C) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fosters a connected community in Sisters Country, Oregon by encouraging civility, collaboration, and civic engagement. Learn more at citizens4community.com.
Press Contact:
Kellen Klein
Executive Director
Citizens4Community
Email: director@citizens4community.com
Phone: (541) 203-0527