Leadership Institute of NCW expands to Omak, applications open through Oct. 31

OMAK — The Leadership Institute of North Central Washington is expanding to Okanogan County, offering residents a free opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn about local government and become more involved in their communities.

The Community Foundation of North Central Washington, in partnership with Thriving Together NCW and other regional organizations, will bring the Leadership Institute of NCW (LINCW) to Omak for a 20-session program running Feb. 20 through June 15, 2027.

Applications are open through Oct. 31.

The program is available in English and Spanish to anyone 18 or older, regardless of previous leadership experience or educational background. All sessions are held in person, and attendance is required.

Designed for emerging and established community leaders, the institute focuses on building the knowledge, confidence and relationships needed to address local challenges and strengthen civic engagement.

Participants will learn how local and state governments operate, how public policies affect communities and how budgets and resources are allocated. The curriculum also emphasizes communication, collaboration and working across differing perspectives.

Each participant will develop a community project addressing a local need or opportunity, putting lessons from the program into practice.

To eliminate financial barriers, the program is offered at no cost. Dinner and child care are provided during sessions, and participants who complete the program receive a graduation stipend.

“Building stronger communities starts with empowering people to expand their skills to best serve their communities,” said Beth Stipe, executive director of the Community Foundation of North Central Washington.

“When residents feel a sense of belonging and understand how local systems work, they are more likely to step into leadership roles, volunteer, serve on boards, and participate in local government,” Stipe said. “The Leadership Institute of NCW helps strengthen our region’s civic muscle by inspiring residents of all backgrounds to get involved and work together to make their communities better places to live, work, and play.”

The institute uses a curriculum developed by the Parent Leadership Training Institute, a nonpartisan family civics initiative of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity.

The curriculum has been used for more than 30 years to help families and community members develop civic leadership skills and become more active in public decision-making.

Since launching in 2024, the Leadership Institute of NCW has graduated two groups of participants in the Wenatchee Valley and Grant County. The Omak program marks its expansion into Okanogan County, extending the initiative across the Community Foundation's three-county service area.

The Omak program is supported by a network of regional organizations, including the Okanogan County Child Development Association, Family Health Centers, Room One, Housing Authority of Okanogan County, TranGO, Rural People's Voice, Okanogan County Community Action Council, Okanogan Coalition for Health Improvement, Wenatchee Valley College and several other community partners.

The institute also receives support from the Melissa Hernandez Inspiration Fund and the Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Community Health Partnership Fund.

Residents interested in participating can learn more and submit applications at cfncw.org

The application deadline is Oct. 31.