Jefferson Township Neighborhood Leadership Institute

Building Informed, Engaged, and Connected Community Leaders

The Jefferson Township Neighborhood Leadership Institute is a 10-week civic leadership experience designed to educate, connect, and empower residents who want to better understand how Jefferson Township works — and how they can play an active role in shaping its future.

Participants engage directly with township departments, schools, public safety, county agencies, and community organizations through interactive sessions, tours, discussions, and hands-on experiences. The program is designed to be informative, accessible, and practical — not theoretical.

Whether you are a long-time resident or new to Jefferson Township, this program gives you the tools, relationships, and knowledge to become a more informed neighbor, advocate, and leader.

Program Goals

The Institute is designed to help participants:

• Understand how Jefferson Township operates and how decisions are made
• Learn how township, county, and regional systems work together
• Build relationships with local leaders, public servants, and fellow residents
• Identify opportunities to strengthen neighborhoods and community connections
• Develop a clearer pathway for civic engagement and leadership

This is not about politics — it’s about community literacy, leadership readiness, and collective problem-solving.

Program Format

• Length: 10 weeks
• Schedule: One evening per week, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
• Start Date: March 2026
• Location: Various sites throughout Jefferson Township and Montgomery County
• Cost: Free to participants (if applicable — adjust if needed)

Each session includes presentations, discussion, and often site visits or experiential components so participants can see and engage with systems firsthand.

2026 Program Schedule (Overview)

Week 1 – Jefferson Township: History & People
Introduction to the program, the history of Jefferson Township, and the community’s cultural foundation.

Week 2 – Township Administration & Governance
Understanding how township departments function and how services are delivered.

Week 3 – Public Safety & the Justice System
Exploring the Sheriff’s Office, courts, corrections, and public safety infrastructure.

Week 4 – Neighborhood Tour
Guided tour of Jefferson Township neighborhoods, assets, and community challenges.

Week 5 – Jefferson Township Schools
Understanding the role of schools in community development and student success.

Weeks 6 & 7 – Community Services & Resources
Learning about employment services, transit, social services, workforce development, and regional partnerships.

Week 8 – Promoting Jefferson Township
Marketing, branding, and storytelling as tools for economic and community development.

Week 9 – Group Project Presentations
Participants present community improvement ideas developed during the program.

Week 10 – Celebration, Dinner & Graduation
Recognition of participants and program completion.

Who Should Apply?

The program is open to Jefferson Township residents who:

• Care about their community
• Want to understand how local government and systems work
• Are interested in leadership, service, advocacy, or civic engagement
• Want to build relationships with neighbors and local leaders

You do not need prior leadership experience — just curiosity, commitment, and a desire to learn.

2026 Application Information

• Applications Open: Now
• Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
• Program Start: March 2026

Spots are limited to ensure meaningful discussion and engagement.

👉 Apply online at: jeffersontwp.net
👉 Questions? Contact:
(937) 262-3591 ext. 109
dburgess@jeffersontwp.net



Why This Program Matters

Strong communities are built when residents understand:

• How systems work
• How decisions are made
• How to engage constructively
• How to collaborate across differences

The Jefferson Township Neighborhood Leadership Institute exists to build that shared understanding — and to strengthen the connections that make communities healthier, safer, and more resilient.