Since Woodlawn United’s founding in 2010, its mission has been to serve as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham into a vibrant and sustainable community in which its residents have an opportunity to thrive. The Woodlawn Effect – (WE) Lead was developed to address the Woodlawn Community’s gap in access to leadership development opportunities. This 14-week community-focused program seeks to identify individuals who desire to improve their community and give voice to traditionally underrepresented community members. The Woodlawn Effect – (WE) Lead fellows will engage in weekly training to learn from political, business, and community leaders. As a cohort, participants will partake in initiatives to address current issues impacting Woodlawn. The program goals for The Woodlawn Effect – (WE) Lead Fellows are:   · Increased participation in formal and informal neighborhood leadership. · Understanding of complex systemic issues. · Increased resident participation in community-based organizations while serving in various leadership roles. · Be connected to a vast network of community and civic leaders. · An understanding of public/private partnerships and how to leverage funds.   PARTICIPATION QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS Ideal applicants must demonstrate a commitment to Woodlawn and neighboring communities with a desire to serve their community through positions of impact (e.g., volunteerism, advocacy, non-profit boards, etc.). Each session is an integral part of the program, and participants are required to attend at least 90% of the sessions or 10 out of the 11 sessions to successfully complete the fellowship and receive the program financial stipend. Applications are due Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 5:00pm. Apply at: https://woodlawnunited.formstack.com/forms/welead. The 2022-2023 fellowship program year is scheduled as follows: • Tuesday, November 1, 2022 • Tuesday, November 29, 2022 • Tuesday, December 13, 2022 • Tuesday, January 10, 2023 • Tuesday, January 24, 2023 • Tuesday, February 7, 2023 • Tuesday, February 21, 2023 • Tuesday, March 7, 2023 • Tuesday, March 21, 2023 • Tuesday, April 4, 2023 • Tuesday, April 18, 2023