The Vancouver Community Leadership Institute is a six-month program that focuses on training and supporting leaders of color to strategically serve on municipal boards and commissions — leaders who are dedicated to promoting racial and social justice in their communities. 

Next application cycle opens Spring 2027

Program overview

Fellows of the Vancouver Community Leadership Institute receive extensive training in local government processes, advocacy, storytelling, and communication skills focusing on issues like housing, land use, transit, climate, and economic development.

Fellows meet in-person once a month, from November through April, and virtually on the last Wednesday (of each month November through April).

Program highlights

• Workshops, panels, hands-on activities, and guest speakers
• Attend network and professional development opportunities with other leadership programs across the state 
• Mentorship and coaching opportunities with SWEC staff and alum 

Impact

Since 2022, the Vancouver Community Leadership Institute has been empowering leaders to advance a racial equity agenda at the government level. 

To date:

• Served 50 fellows over 4 cohorts 
• 25+ guest speakers support our program each year 
• 90% of fellows surveyed report increased confidence and skills in engaging with local government, public processes, and decision‑makers.
• 95% of fellows demonstrate an increased understanding of how racial equity is, and is not, embedded in municipal decision‑making systems.
• 80% of fellows continue to engage in advocacy and policy efforts after
• 95% of fellows surveyed report a deeper sense of community and connection with fellow leaders of color.

Our alumni have served on boards and commissions such as City of Vancouver’s Culture, Arts and Heritage commission, City of Vancouver’s Urban Forestry Commission, Vancouver Housing Authority Board of Trustees, Clark County Developmental Disability Advisory Board, Clark County Public Health Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan Steering Committee, Oregon Department of Transportation Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee, Vancouver Police Department Chief’s Advisory Council, Clark County Community Action Advisory Board, Washington State’s Immigration Subcabinet. 

Past cohorts

Acknowledgement

We are grateful to Puget Sound Sage for their partnership in launching Vancouver Community Leadership Institute in 2022.