A national progressive training organization is setting up shop in Cincinnati and Dayton.
The word, "progressive" is usually synonymous with left-leaning politics, but the non-profit organization New Leaders Council is hoping to boost millennials of all ideologies to lead in local politics.
The six-month training teaches participants how to run for office, manage campaigns and create startups.
Anthony Johnson is the director for the Southwest Ohio chapter. He says there are many organizations focusing on millennials but there is a lack of training. He says it's not just a program that teaches people how to run for office. "It is not an election bootcamp or a candidate camp, but rather it's a comprehensive leadership and development experience for folks who can go out and do amazing things," Johnson says.
The organization will recruit community members in and around Cincinnati and Dayton. NLC is hosting a launch event Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at Urban Artifact.
Participants selected to be a fellow will hear national and local professionals in various fields lead trainings one weekend a month. The sessions cover topics like grant writing, state policy and lobbying.
"Within the NLC community, 63% of our community self-identify as people of color; 61% of us identify as women," Johnson says. NLC is creating relationships with community organizations to build those numbers locally.
The Southwest Ohio chapter wants to train a maximum of 25 people this year.
Columbus was the first chapter to launch in the state.
"No matter what space you're in it's just a matter that folks are equipped to actually position themselves as leaders in the community and not just think they have to wait their turn," he says.
The organization is created for and by millennials but doesn’t shy away from those over 40. NLC has older generations mentor and guide younger fellows.
According to Johnson, 750 alumni have held public office nationally. NLC alumni include Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper, Democratic Congresswoman Lauren Underwood of Illinois and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro.