Community Engagement Program

The mission of the Community Engagement Program (CEP) is
to enhance the knowledge and leadership skills of people of color in the Roanoke Valley, leading to greater civic engagement, greater participation with area non-profit boards and committees, and greater investment in the democratic ideals of the Roanoke Valley.

Seventeen participants completed the inaugural term in November. A complete news release including names of CEP graduates can be found in News & Events. In addition to completing course work and community issues projects, all graduates of the program are expected to serve on a board or committee of a non-profit organization or in a volunteer position with United Way of Roanoke Valley within 12 months.

Previously offered as The Minority Leadership Enhancement Program (MLEP) CEP dates to 1992, thanks in part to support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the recognition that  boards and committees of organizations throughout the Roanoke Valley did not adequately reflect the communities they served, most notably ethnic minorities. More than 300 individuals have graduated from the program since 1992, many of whom have taken leadership positions on local boards and committees.

Program components are designed to promote involvement and leadership among people of color in the Roanoke Valley. While MLEP focused heavily on topics related to board governance, the CEP curriculum emphasizes personal development and empowerment.

Workshops for the class of 2007 are now underway! Thanks to the following companies for sponsoring this year's CEP program participants: Advance Auto Parts, Allstate Insurance Company, Boys and Girls Club of SWVA, City of Roanoke, Cox Communications, Regional Office - Department of Veterans Affairs and Wachovia Bank.

The Community Engagement Program is an integral United Way community initiative. For details, please contact Abby Verdillo at 777-4202 or abby@uwrv.org.