OVERVIEW: Join us for an eight-week workshop series designed for emerging community leaders passionate about transforming Dayton's food system. In this hands-on program, participants will learn about the local food landscape—what exists, the daily challenges we face, and innovative solutions that support community nourishment and collective sufficiency. Through expert-led sessions, you’ll explore topics like systemic issues, collaborative visioning, and storytelling to build essential skills for relational organizing. By the end, you’ll design a mini-campaign highlighting Dayton’s local economy to educate and engage our community, fostering sustainability and lasting connections. TRAINING TOPICS INCLUDE: Leadership Development Local Food System Analysis Asset Mapping Goal Setting Storytelling Engagement and Recruitment Techniques Marketing WHO IS THE ACADEMY FOR? Community members who are passionate about the quality, accessibility and variety of food locally People who want to be an agent of change within our community and learn how to create a plan to do so Folks who are longing for community and purpose driven relationships People who want to further develop their skills around community development If you have an idea centered around food that would uplift, educate and/or inspire our community Ideal participants will be from all walks of life, live in Dayton, be a beginner to seasoned person in organizing and/or food systems work, passionate about this work and have a desire for learning new concepts. ACADEMY EXPECTATIONS This is a 7 seven week cohort series with a celebration in the 8th week of its duration. During this time, we ask that participants have a high level of attendance, engagement and willingness to share verbally and digitally. Participants will be asked to complete assignments during and outside of workshops to ensure completion of the mini campaign plan by the end of the cohort. It is highly encouraged to engage with other participants in the cohort to fully embrace and create the best experience possible. There are limited spaces and resources for this cohort. If you feel you are not able to meet these expectations, please do not apply. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION What’s the schedule? This series will be held every Tuesday evening from February 4th to March 25th, 2025 from 6-7:30pm. Where will this be located? The majority of the workshops will be held at The Hub, located at 31 S Main St, Dayton, OH 45402. Any other places that we will be hosted at will be communicated closer to the start of the cohort. Will I have to pay for parking? All metered parking is free after 6pm in Downtown Dayton. What equipment or software do I need to participate? You will need access to email and/or phone communication. Any other technology that would be needed will be provided.