“Before I leave this world – I want to make a difference. . .This has given me something to fight for again.”

– Dale, graduate of the “Make a Difference” leadership academy pilot

About

An effort to train grassroots leaders was borne out of the Make a Noise! Make a Difference! community education and awareness campaign to improve black infant mortality in Jacksonville. The goal of the Make a Difference! Leadership Academy is to support the efforts of local residents to make changes in neighborhood factors that contribute to disparities in health and birth outcomes.

The inaugural leadership academy class began in Fall 2011 with nine budding community leaders, identified by the Azalea Project and other agencies.

The initial group completed the eight-week program, where they learned about leadership styles, community values, ethics, team building, problem solving and action planning. The program culminated with a field trip to a Jacksonville City Council budget meeting.

The Leadership Academy curriculum has been extended to 12 weeks. For more information, contact Faye Johnson at 904.359.2502 x100