L.A.C.E.D.
Leadership and Civic Engagement Development
The Leadership and Civic Engagement Development (LACED) program works to ensure the collective voice of underrepresented communities is heard. LACED trains and educates young people to take leadership positions on local government boards and commissions and to advocate for local decision making that addresses current social and economic challenges. By having community representation in local decision-making bodies — and, ideally, on the state level — there will be a direct impact on policies, procedures, and allocation of resources which will benefit marginalized San Diego communities.
L.A.C.E.D Classes
LACED classes are 3 hours long and are scheduled once a week. The course includes a 10 week intensive training followed by an advanced training class scheduled once per month for 9 months. The program includes the following 4 components:
1
Start here and now
Get Involved
Community engagement and leadership: Participants are trained on how to properly get involved in their community as leaders.
2
Gain deeper understanding
Knowledge of Political Structure
Political engagement and leadership: Participants learn basic national government political structure, government roles and responsibilities, laws, and policies.
3
Take a stand
Engagement and Leadership
Criminal Justice system engagement and leadership: In this section participants learn how the criminal justice system operates and how to get involved to support and reform.
4
Dont just stand there
Become an advocate
Don’t just stand there. Do something!: Throughout the 10 week course participants must engage or attend a minimum of three actual civic events. The 3 events must be related to each section (A,B,C) Politics, Community, and Criminal Justice. Participants may attend more than 3 and are encouraged to. Event dates are be provided to participants.