The Watts Leadership Institute (WLI) empowers community leaders and small nonprofits in Watts by advancing their skills in leadership and sustainability, enabling them to serve their community through impactful programs and resources.
Services Provided
WLI programming is designed to advance leadership, knowledge, and long-term sustainability among small nonprofit organizations and individual leaders in Watts. The curriculum aims to expand members’ existing skills through peer learning and group modules, individualized office hours, access to subject matter experts (SMEs), specialized workshops, and additional support, including regranting. A defining feature of the WLI model is its multi-year engagement cohort, which includes both training and financial investment in WLI members. Meetings are held at the Watts Field Office, a generously donated space provided by L.A. City Councilmember Tim McOsker.
Who We Serve
All WLI programming and training is focused on leaders and small organizations who are directly serving the residents and community of Watts. WLI members have deep roots throughout this community and are viewed as leaders. By design, the cohort members identify as African-American (50%) and Latino (50%).
Mission and Goals
WLI builds nonprofit sector knowledge, capacity, and sustainability by providing long-term support to community-based leaders, equipping them to strengthen local organizations and programs, with a vision of a Watts community where leaders are recognized as experts, connected to abundant resources, and lead thriving, sustainable nonprofits and volunteer associations.
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WLI is unique in Watts. They have gathered groups of like-minded leaders to help build collaborations and partnerships for the benefit of Watts, to help us organize our work, and to advocate for us.
WLI stepped up in our time of need as a young 501(c)(3) organization and has been instrumental in equipping us with knowledge and skills necessary to effectively run and sustain our nonprofit organization. The workshops and training provided by WLI offered much needed insights and strategies that have empowered us to navigate the complexities of the nonprofit sector
Con WLI tengo el poder de procurarme una vida digna y justa. Gracias a WLI ha nacido “un nuevo amaneser.”
The love, guidance, and support from WLI has made me feel like I can conquer anything with a healthy support system behind me rooting for me to win, not only for myself but for my community as a whole.
African American
wli@ucla.edu
@wattsleaders