New Leadership New York Summer Institute

Dear friends,

A few weeks ago, I was selected to attend the NEW Leadership New York Summer Institute, an intensive seven-day leadership development program for women interested in public service. I will be joining 19 other undergraduate women from across New York State to practice leadership skills and develop abilities necessary for effective political engagement and community organizing. Some of the goals of the program are to foster:

• Self-efficacy of participants regarding leadership capacity and capabilities
• Awareness and preparedness of career options in the fields of politics and public policy
• Skills in developing and organizing community engagement in my community

This year in my classes, I have been learning about the fractures in many of our systems and institutions. The unequal wealth distribution in the United States, the brokenness of immigration policy, the failure of the public education system, and the failure of the Black Power movement to achieve greater economic and social advancement for the Black community have been subjects that have propelled thoughts that center around this question: How am I going to be a part of transformation of these systems? It is my hope that through the NLNY program, I will be given tangible tools on how to advocate for marginalized groups through institutional change as well as greater insight into where my interests will lead.

As a 2013 NEW Leader, I have been asked to fundraise $500 to help offset the cost of participation. I would greatly appreciate your support in this! A donation of any amount will make a difference. If you would like more information about this program, I encourage you to visit their website: http://www.albany.edu/womeningov/programs/nlny.shtml. If you would like to learn more about what I hope to gain through this program, please contact me! I would love to tell you.

I appreciate your support as I seek to learn more about what my role will be in the betterment of this society.

With gratitude,

Janell Salmon