Rise & Lead
Developing the next Generation of Community Champions
Communities do not need to be saved. They need their own people to lead. The most durable solutions to poverty, inequality, and exclusion come from within — from people who know their communities, speak their languages, share their histories, and are trusted. Rise & Lead identifies, develops, and sustains community leaders over an eight-week cohort culminating in a public Graduation Showcase.
Who This Programme Is For
- Volunteers ready to move from participation to facilitation
- Adults with leadership potential from deprived or marginalised communities
- Young people aged 18 to 30 with ambition but no access to formal leadership pathways
- Women and individuals from BAME backgrounds under-represented in leadership
30% Move into formal leadership roles within 12 months
20% Participants recruited per cohort
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Leadership Strengths Assessment | Every participant receives a personal leadership assessment and individual development plan from day one. |
| Leadership Foundations | Eight weeks of core modules covering communication, delegation, and decision-making. |
| Public Speaking & Advocacy | Every participant delivers a public talk by the end of the programme. |
| Civic Placements | Real placements with councils, boards, and community forums. |
| Graduation Showcase | A public event, open to funders and the community, marking each cohort’s completion. |