Residents from SHA communities attended a two-day Resident Leadership Conference on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at the Yesler Community Center. Designed by the Resident Leadership Development team, workshops were led by SHA residents, SHA staff and community partners.
The Resident Leadership Development team was formed more than 20 years ago, when SHA’s Community Services Division brought together a group of resident leaders from across SHA communities. "They thought that we could learn more about how to do what we do with better resources," said SHA resident Kristin, an original member of the Resident Leadership Development team.
What started as a small workshop for residents has grown into a full two-day conference. This year's event offered sessions on three themes: resident advocacy, organizing community and using City services.
For Kristin, the mission of the conference has always been to give residents the tools they need to lead. "It gives community leaders and emerging leaders from all around SHA communities a chance to meet each other and learn more about resources they can access,” said Kristin.
Residents selected this year’s themes themselves. “We see these as three main topics for residents to really engage their neighbors and build new opportunities for resident leadership,” said SHA Community Builder Tom Kerby.
For Tom, resident leadership is about more than attending meetings. "It's helping people understand both the patience they've got to have and also the medium through which they can make change," Tom said.
Dorene, an SHA resident, said she found her way to the RLD team during a period of personal transition. "I just started going to meetings," she recalled. "There are things I can't do the same way I used to, so I just jumped in and I've stuck to it ever since."
She describes her style of leadership as quieter. "There are people who always speak up and step up, and there are other people who have a sense of, 'we really need to pay attention to this,'" she said. "I think I'm more the latter – and I'm really humbled by the people who speak up, because it helps me figure out how I can contribute."
Connection is what Tom hopes residents take home from the conference. "Everybody's working in isolation in their buildings and in their communities – it can be a very thankless job," he said. "Just having other people around who feel the same way about community really helps you brainstorm and think of new ways to build relationships and programs where you live."
Beyond the annual conference, the RLD team hosts a summer gathering and a volunteer recognition luncheon each fall, where residents are nominated by their communities for the work they do every day. "How often do you get to stand up in front of a room and have people applaud for you?" Kristin said.
Dorene’s message to neighbors who don't see themselves as leaders is, "Everybody's got something to contribute. Tell me what you need to feel like you're a part of it."
The Resident Leadership Conference is held annually. For more information, contact SHA Community Builder Tom Kerby at Thomas.Kerby@seattlehousing.org.
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