Bilingual Program Celebrates 28 Graduates and Nearly 200 Alumni
The Montgomery County Community Action Board (CAB), the County’s federally designated anti-poverty advisory group, recently hosted a ceremony to celebrate 28 graduates of its free advocacy training program, the Community Advocacy Institute (CAI). This year marked the 10th anniversary of the program, which now has 195 alumni.
“Government works best when more people are involved and speaking up about issues affecting their communities,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Community Advocacy Institute helps residents build the skills and confidence to do that. These graduates are going to make their communities stronger because they understand the issues people face and are willing to advocate for change.”
DaVida Rowley, chair of the CAB, led the ceremony, which included remarks from County leaders and elected officials, as well as the presentation of certificates to graduates. Montgomery County Councilmembers Shebra Evans, Laurie-Anne Sayles, and Kate Stewart attended the event to congratulate graduates and thank them for their commitment to community advocacy.
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Lori Garibay Aquino, chief of Children, Youth and Family Services in the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the program participants and applauded the board’s efforts to operate the CAI as a fully bilingual program in English and Spanish.
Shantá Johnson, executive director of the Community Action Agency (CAA), part of DHHS, thanked current and former board members, as well as CAI Ambassadors, for helping plan the program, lead workshops, and mentor participants throughout the year.
Each graduate submitted a personal statement reflecting on their experience in the program and their future advocacy goals. The statements were included in the official graduation program. “The Community Advocacy Institute has been a life-changing experience that helped me turn my lived experiences into purposeful advocacy and community engagement,” said Novlette Williamson, a graduate.
The CAI is a free, bilingual, eight-month training program for income-eligible Montgomery County residents. Workshop topics include working with elected officials, storytelling, research, public speaking, developing testimony, and advocacy strategies. The Community Action Board facilitates the program and provides governance for the CAA and the County’s Head Start program.
Many graduates currently serve on County advisory committees and nonprofit boards, participate in advocacy groups and organizations, and remain active in their communities.
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For more information about the Community Action Board, visit the Montgomery County DHHS website.
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Read the original article at mcdhhs