News Release

June 11, 2009

Contact: Douglas Robinson, 202-220-2360, drobinson@nw.org
Erin Angell Collins, 202 220-631,eangell@nw.org

NeighborWorks America Launches Social Networking Site for
Community Development Professionals

Washington D.C.—Today NeighborWorks America, the nation’s leading trainer of community development professionals, announced the launch of LeadersforCommunities.org, the first professional networking web site designed especially for emerging and established community development leaders. 

Addressing what experts have called a crisis in leadership across the nonprofit industry and a lack of diversity in the leadership of the field, LeadersforCommunities.org was developed by NeighborWorks America to facilitate communication across all types of community development organizations, and among people with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. LeadersforCommunities.org encourages much-needed mentoring opportunities for community development professionals – which recent nonprofit industry studies recommend – by way of social networking, and helps community development professionals more meaningfully connect with their peers all over the country.

“NeighborWorks is committed to advancing the capacity and diversity of leadership in the community development field,” said Ken Wade, CEO of NeighborWorks America.  “Through LeadersforCommunities, community development professionals can create rich and enduring professional connections, share valuable insight and expertise, and cultivate up-and-coming leadership within the industry.”

LeadersforCommunities.org not only connects community development professionals, it also gives the industry a platform upon which to share ideas and experiences, access professional development and career opportunities, and create a more effective and diverse field.

Through LeadersforCommunities.org, members can:

• Create profiles and write personal blog posts and messages;
• Participate in discussions and join groups focused on specific topic areas that range from resources for foreclosure prevention professionals and leadership diversity to faith-based neighborhood partners and homeownership’s role in a community;
• Explore posted resources, events, and career opportunities; and,
• Share inspiring photos and videos.

LeadersforCommunities.org is visible to the public, however, membership is limited to professionals in the community development field who will be able to contribute in an informed way to the site's discussions and other resources.  To sign up for membership, click here.  To date, LeadersforCommunities.org has more than 400 members. LeadersforCommunities was funded by the Ford Foundation.

Media: For more information about LeadersforCommunities.org and NeighborWorks’ training and professional development opportunities, visit www.leadersforcommunities.org, www.nw.org/training, or contact Erin Angell Collins, 202-220-6317, ecollins@nw.org.

Community Development Professionals: For more information about LeadersforCommunities.org and NeighborWorks’ training and professional development opportunities, visit www.leadersforcommunities.org, www.nw.org/training, or call 1-800-438-5547 or e-mail training@nw.org.

About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $19.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.