Leadership Academy
Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2025 Leadership Academy Session. The deadline to apply is January 31st, 2025 by 11:59pm Pacific Time.
At East Bay Housing Organizations, we believe that the people most affected by affordable housing policy should be at the forefront of the housing justice movement. We launched the Leadership Academy in 2015, after hearing from resident organizers that they wanted to learn more about housing policy and organizing skills.
Leadership Academy is a free community program for affordable housing residents and staff covering the essential elements of being an effective affordable housing advocate, community organizer, and leader.
Program Details
This year, Leadership Academy will consist of 16 sessions over the course of 8 weeks, focusing on the essential elements to be an effective affordable housing advocate, community organizer, and leader. Sessions will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays rom 10am-1pm in Oakland, beginning on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Session dates are:
- March 12th, 4th, 19th, 21st, 26th, and 28th
- April 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, and 30th
- May 2nd
Sessions will feature a mix of interactive exercises, lessons, and presentations from experts. Snacks and lunch will be provided at each session.
Graduates will obtain a certificate of completion, a stipend, and a one-year EBHO membership at the end of the course. Graduates are expected to participate in EBHO at the completion of the Academy.
COVID-19 Safety Information: In keeping with COVID safety, masks are strongly encouraged in the session spaces.
Please contact Ronnie Boyd (ronnie@ebho.org) and Damion Scott (damion@ebho.org) if you have any questions regarding Leadership Academy or to request a presentation about our program for your building or organization.
Hear from Graduates
Since the Leadership Academy’s inception in 2015, EBHO has graduated over 100 affordable housing resident- and staff leaders.
Graduates of the Leadership Academy have gone on to serve on local and state Boards and Commissions and draft policy that has been implemented statewide.
Janelle Keene, Class of 2019
I’m a ‘why’ person, I’ve always been curious to understand the systems that impact myself and my community. I felt freed by the answers EBHO’s Leadership Academy gave me. They helped me understand the context of racism, sexism, and gentrification. EBHO gave me answers that helped me understand my own experiences.
Carol Crooks, Class of 2019
Resident Community Organizing Program Member
“I feel most alive when I get out with people and have a purpose. I enjoy being with others. I know there isn’t enough truly affordable housing for low-income folk, and I’d like to create housing for the unhoused and help win subsidies for those at the lowest income levels.”
Cathy Eberhardt, Class of 2018
Resident Community Organizing Program Member
I am a strong believer of God. I grew up having many tragic challenges. Despite the challenges, in my early years, I became successful in work and raising my 2 sons as a single parent. One son is a lawyer and the other is a successful businessman. When I approached my mid years, I became permanently medically disabled. I became homeless for eighteen months. I was blessed to obtain permanent housing. As a living example of what it is to be homeless, I set my future goals to help the homeless and the community.