Celebrating the Success of the Blue Line Corridor Civic Leadership Institute
A Transformative Journey for 20743
The Blue Line Corridor Civic Leadership Institute recently marked the completion of its inaugural program, a transformative journey that has equipped participants to become engaged advocates for healthy, sustainable neighborhoods in Prince George’s County. This program, developed by The Capital Market and The Greater Capitol Heights Improvement Corporation with generous support from LISCDC, aims to empower community investors, including residents, local business owners, community organizations, elected officials, and other partners.
The Institute’s primary goal is to cultivate a cohort of community advocates who are not only well-versed in the land-development process but also confident in implementing effective community advocacy and placemaking strategies along the Blue Line Corridor. This initiative is particularly timely as our neighborhoods undergo significant changes with redevelopment on the horizon. The challenges we face are complex, spanning social issues to environmental concerns. By engaging in civic participation, participants have been equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to address these challenges, ensuring their voices are heard and their actions create lasting legacies.
Tailored for Blue Line Corridor Residents
The program is specifically designed for residents of Capitol Heights, Fairmount Heights, Seat Pleasant, Glenarden, District Heights, and the unincorporated areas along the Blue Line Corridor (neighborhoods connected by Central Avenue). The curriculum was developed, facilitated, and evaluated by residents and community stakeholders of the Blue Line Corridor in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Achievements and Impact
The Institute has prepared residents to become community advocates for healthy and sustainable neighborhoods. Here are some key achievements of the program:
- Knowledge Enhancement: Participants increased their knowledge about the land-development process in Prince George’s County.
- Confidence Building: 91% of participants believed they could implement their own advocacy strategy upon completion, and 71% felt more confident in public speaking.
- Community Engagement: Participants joined and actively participated with local community-based organizations, collaborating to implement ideas such as events, tactical urbanism, cultural place-keeping, and placemaking that serve as calls-to-action for mobilization around local policy issues.
- Project Development: Participants developed eight community projects with suggestions for enhancing their neighborhoods.
Yes! We Can: A Conversation on Building Equitable Communities from the Ground Up
The final session, “Yes! We Can: A Conversation on Building Equitable Communities,” was a community conversation with local changemakers exploring effective strategies for fostering equitable community development. This event drew nearly 50 attendees, including Institute participants, members of the media, and community stakeholders. The discussion featured local changemakers such as Ian Callender of Suite Nation, Candace Hollingsworth, former Mayor of Hyattsville, Tonia Wellons of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and Rev. Donald Isaac of Southeast Tabernacle Baptist Church. Moderated by Bryan Franklin of LISCDC, the conversation underscored the necessity of an entrepreneurial mindset to foster community advancement, particularly in areas long neglected by investment.
Capstone Presentations and Recognition
The culmination of the Institute featured Capstone Presentations, where participants showcased their projects and received a Blue Line Corridor Leader pin and certificate acknowledging their participation. Those who attended three or more sessions and completed a capstone project received a stipend.
Looking Ahead
A Key Findings Report and Final Capstone presentations report will be released later this summer, providing further insights into the program’s impact and future directions. The success of the Blue Line Corridor Civic Leadership Institute underscores the power of community engagement and the importance of equipping local residents with the tools and knowledge needed to drive sustainable development in their neighborhoods.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating the achievements of our dedicated community advocates!
