If you are a community organization interested in proposing a project for the 2008 CLP class, please contact us at 206-625-3850 or aclfnw@aclfnorthwest.org to discuss your idea. We generally accept project ideas until the end of February each year.

Purpose of ACLF Group Projects: Group projects are intended to enhance the ACLF session curriculum by providing an opportunity for experiential learning through a collaborative, team-oriented approach focused around studying and addressing a significant issue facing the Asian Pacific American community.

Examples of Previous CLP Community Projects

2006 CLP Community Project: MEDC Brown Paper

In 2006, the Community Leaders Program Class of 2006 played an important role in strengthening the community’s voice by conducting a group project in service of the Minority Executive Directors Coalition (MEDC). Each year, MEDC holds a Unity Day in Olympia in which members educate state legislators on issues of concern to communities of color. The Class of 2006 developed a “brown” paper on the subject of education, focusing on curriculum content and teachers, to guide MEDC in its policy stances for future years. They interviewed and surveyed key stakeholders, including teachers, social workers, and community leaders, conducting research to create recommendations to support MEDC in its advocacy work. The Class of 2006 presented its findings to members of MEDC and ACLF on October 26, 2006. The report has been distributed to several elected officials and other decision-makers, and MEDC anticipates using it as a part of its 2007 Unity Day.

2005 CLP Community Project: PASEFIKA Program Evaluation

PASEFIKA was created in 1998 in response to the growing Pacific Islander community in White Center. Its main purpose is to provide academic and cultural support services and to cultivate community within the Pacific Islander community. The CLP Class of 2005 evaluated the structure of PASEFIKA's two core programs, the Summer Academy (for youth) and the Ambassador Program (for elders). Using research, focus groups with youth and elders, and staff interviews, CLP participants identified key strengths, areas for improvement, and specific recommendations for each of the programs.

2004 CLP Community Project: Chinese Information and Service Center Volunteer Program Assessment

The Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC) receives many requests from volunteers and appreciates the work that they do. They approached ACLF with a project to help coordinate their volunteers, and in particular better match volunteers to projects more quickly and ensure that volunteers fulfill their commitments. CLP participants surveyed the Chinese Information and Service Center 's volunteers and staff and researched peer organizations to assess CISC's volunteer program. They developed a comprehensive volunteer plan, outlining specific recommendations for recruitment, screening, matching, orientation, training, tracking, and retention. For more info on CISC, please visit http://www.cisc-seattle.org/.