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LIGHT

Leaders in Grassroots Health Transformation

LIGHT provides participants with an intersectional groundwork for becoming grassroots health equity advocates and leaders. Program graduates can apply for a Neighbors to Leaders Fellowship—mini-grants with continued mentorship—to support their own community resilience projects or initiatives. The goal of the program is for participants to:

  • understand how the U.S. healthcare system and its associated industries came to be;
  • learn strategies for achieving quality healthcare for all;
  • explore the intersections of housing, climate, and health;
  • develop their skills in framing the issue, public speaking, writing, and community organizing;
  • understand the role of different non-profit and political bodies in local healthcare advocacy work;
    identify their interests, strengths, and passions as grassroots health justice leaders.

If you are in need of healthcare, click here for more information about our free appointments with certified application counselors.

LIGHT Learning Outcomes

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Bring voice and power to all seats of decision-making in order to ensure all community voices are heard and respected
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Expose and challenge how capitalism contributes to our unjust healthcare system
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Effectively advocate for practices and policies that strengthen the health and wellness of Miami’s communities
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Educate others on the history of healthcare advocacy, cutting-edge solutions, and how to get involved

Next LIGHT Cohort

NEW COHORTS COMING SOON.

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WHERE:
Online

COST:
There is no fee to participate.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • A dinner stipend will be provided for online participants.
  • Open to adults and teens (14+). Teens can earn community service hours.
  • Youth program available for kids ages 6-13 (must have a parent/guardian in LIGHT).
  • Free interpretation in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and American Sign Language available upon request.
  • Accessibility accommodations available upon request.

CONTACT:
Fatou Cisse, [email protected]

Neighbors to Leaders Fellowship

Do you have an idea for a project that would make your community more resilient?


The Catalyst Miami Neighbors to Leaders Fellowship recognizes that we cannot make the change we need to see in our communities as an individual organization, or through policy alone. We recognize the many neighborhood leaders that feel called to work to improve their communities, often with no financial or technical support.

The Neighbors to Leaders Fellowship provides assistance to such leaders who have gone through our leadership programs such as HEAL and CLEAR. Through this fellowship, participants gain access to financial and other resources, one-on-one technical support, and to professional networks that advance the development of grassroots, community-based initiatives. This program allows our alumni to take the next step in implementing the training and skills gained in leadership programs to support their personal growth, strengthen our communities, and create a Miami-Dade in which we all thrive.

To apply: Email Izegbe Onyango 
[email protected]


The basics:

  • The fellowship supports and funds our leadership alumni in implementing local projects to improve neighborhood resilience and quality of life.
  • Fellows can apply for up to $1,500 of project funds. (Restrictions apply.)
  • Fellows receive support and technical assistance to complete projects from the Catalyst Miami project management team.
  • Fellowship support lasts up to 12 months.

Some examples of fellowship projects are:

  • A youth climate summer camp
  • Hosting events to organize residents around a particular policy
  • Creating a community emergency preparedness plan
  • Creating a rain garden to collect stormwater and reduce flooding
  • Creating and managing a community food garden

 


Note:
Fellowship awards are limited; selection criteria will depend on availability of funds, project feasibility, need for the project, and other factors. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.