Young Progressive Group In Des Moines Grows, Hosts Fundraiser Today

Guest post from our friends at New Leaders Council – Join their fundraiser in Des Moines later today

Progressive leadership has been developing in Des Moines as the 2016 New Leaders Council (NLC) class of fellows prepares for their final institute weekend and fundraising event. In January, this year’s class started their NLC journey toward personal growth and professional development.

NLC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that works to recruit, train and promote progressive leaders of tomorrow. The program gives fellows an exciting opportunity to be a part of a supportive network of diverse alumni and mentors, highly skilled in working together across sectors to grow as a community. With 44 chapters across the country, more than 3,000 alumni, and an aim of 10,000 alumni by 2020, NLC is dedicated to training and expanding the pool of skilled progressive leaders shaping America’s future.

Institute weekends are held once a month for 5 months. At the institute, fellows are trained in entrepreneurship, communications, fundraising, marketing, campaign management, public speaking, speech writing, and public relations. Democracy, social justice, and equal opportunity remain common themes throughout institute weekends.

Our local chapter is made up of 16 vibrant young leaders, passionate about making Des Moines as wonderful as it can be by working together across sectors to improve progressive infrastructure. The 2016 class is made up of about 800 fellows, nationally.

Monica Biddix – Communications Director, Iowa Democratic Party

Christina Blackcloud – Director of Senior Services, Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa

Madeline Cano – Community Organizer, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement

Comfort Dondo – Underserved and Marginalized Communities Empowerment Coordinator, Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Cicely Gordon – Humane Education Coordinator, Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Courtney Guntly – Case Manager, Central Iowa Shelter and Services

Matt Hauge – Communications & Marketing Director, Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.

Josh Hellyer – Policy and Communications Coordinator, Polk County Housing Trust Fund

Heather Jones – Blogger, Square Bear Streetwear

Mandy McWherter – Manager of Value Communications, Technology Association of Iowa

Jordan Murphy – Crisis Support Specialist, Candeo

Claire Richmond – Healthy Homes East Bank Project Manager, Polk County Housing Trust Fund

Hector Salamanca Arroyo – Presidential Campaign Project Grassroots Engagement Coordinator, American Friends Service Committee

Josh Skipworth – State Director, The Humane Society of the United States

Zach Steele – Employment Training Specialist, Central Iowa Works

Mazie Stilwell – Campaign Manager, Rob Hogg for Senate

The organization operates on a pay it forward model by holding the current class responsible for fundraising to support the class that follows. On June 2^nd, the Des Moines Chapter is hosting the annual end of year fundraising event, It’s a Wonderful Life in Des Moines, at the Iowa State Education Association. The class invites community members to join them for an evening of celebrating the past, present and future of our community’s progressive leadership.

Tickets can be purchased for $25 online at http://desmoines.newleaderscouncil.org/2016_fellows_fundraiser. Your contribution will support training future progressive Leaders in Iowa. The evening will feature free food and drinks; special guest speaker, Rekha Basu, Opinion Columnist for the Des Moines Register, and an exciting opportunity to network with Des Moines’ young progressives.

Posted 6/2/16