Leadership RI sponsors 6-month Central Falls program

LEADERSHIP RHODE ISLAND is sponsoring a six-month leadership development program called Leadership Central Falls to help bring the city back on track as it emerges from bankruptcy. / COURTESY LEADERSHIP RHODE ISLAND
LEADERSHIP RHODE ISLAND is sponsoring a six-month leadership development program called Leadership Central Falls to help bring the city back on track as it emerges from bankruptcy. / COURTESY LEADERSHIP RHODE ISLAND

PROVIDENCE – To help create a sustainable model of community development, Leadership Rhode Island is sponsoring a six-month leadership development program called Leadership Central Falls, which will launch on Thursday, Oct. 25, the same day the city’s bankruptcy officially ends.
The newly designed Leadership Central Falls program is based on the progress that residents in Central Falls have made with Leadership Rhode Island in the past year.
The program will bring in two dozen established and emerging community leaders from the city who will commit to at least 100 hours of community service after completing the six-month program designed to “create and invigorate a cadre of champions for the city as it makes its way out of bankruptcy and returns to a democratically empowered government,” according to a Leadership Rhode Island release.
“The residents of Central Falls are re-energized, ready to take back their city,” Mike Ritz, executive director of Leadership Rhode Island, said in prepared remarks. “Leadership Central Falls will be the first time, we believe, when multiple C.F. stakeholders representing different industries, sectors, and social and economic networks will come together for this length of time.”
“This isn’t about votes or individual selfish financial interests. Leave your ego at the door,” said Ritz. “Leadership Central Falls is focused on what it takes for a successful turnaround and a bright future… identifying what’s best for Central Falls moving forward and then putting those ideas into action.”
Members of Leadership Central Falls were identified by the participants of Leadership Rhode Island’s 2012 Theta II Class and then selected for the demonstrated commitment to the city, influential voices within the community, desire to see positive change and a promise of future stewardship within Central Falls.
Unlike Leadership Rhode Island’s tuition-based core program, no participants are required to pay for Leadership Central Falls. Program expenses will be covered by funds received from Amica Insurance, National Grid, The Providence Journal Foundation, Leadership Rhode Island alumni and private donations made by concerned residents of Central Falls, according to the organization.

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