Public Allies is changing the face and practice of leadership in communities across the country. We advance new leadership to strengthen communities, nonprofits and civic participation.

Why change the face and practice of leadership? Because the next generation of American leaders needs to look like America will look, connect across cultures, facilitate collaborative action, recognize all of a community’s assets, commit to self-development, and be accountable to the people they work with and the community they serve. We believe a new approach to leadership is necessary to live these values. We believe that new leaders practicing these values will create a more just society.

Description:
How do we make it happen? Through our signature AmeriCorps program, Public Allies identifies talented young adults from diverse backgrounds and prepares them for careers working for community and social change. Allies serve 10-month, paid apprenticeships at local nonprofits and participate in a rigorous and rewarding leadership development program with a diverse group of peers who are also of and working within their home community.

Everyone leads…and we walk the talk. Our Allies are ages 18 to 30, and over 65% are people of color, 15% are LGBT, and 50% are college graduates. And 95% of Allies have met or exceeded the expectations of the nonprofit organizations they serve, with 95% of Alumni reporting they would participate again if they could. Over 80% of Alumni have continued careers in nonprofit service, public service, advocacy, and activism.

In addition to our signature program, Public Allies supports the continued leadership of our Alumni through an active network. We also offer training and consulting through The Leadership Practice, which helps groups better engage and strengthen communities and support diverse young leaders.

History:
The Beginning
In 1992, Public Allies was founded by two remarkable women who set out to prove that prevalent stereotypes which labeled young adults as "slackers" and "Generation X" were wrong. Vanessa Kirsch and Katrina Browne saw that young people were committed to active citizenship and community change, though this significant energy and talent often remained untapped, especially by the nonprofit sector. With help from hundreds of volunteers, Kirsch and Browne created Public Allies to recruit, train and support diverse young leaders, preparing them to assume national and community leadership on pressing public issues.

Growth
In September, 1992, Public Allies launched its first apprenticeship program in Washington DC, placing 15 outstanding young people aged 18 to 30 in positions of
influence in the city's nonprofit sector. The following year, Public Allies Chicago began with 30 more Allies. In 1994, young people started local chapters in
Milwaukee, Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington, DE. We opened in San Jose/Silicon Valley in 1995, Cincinnati in 1998, Los Angeles and New York City in 1999, Taos in 2000 (in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps) and our program at Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center in Estes Park, CO in 2002.
Public Allies Connecticut opened in 2004, serving Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven. In 2006, Public Allies launched programs in Arizona, Louisiana and Pittsburg and in 2007, Miami, New Mexico and San Antonio.

Contact people:

Jennie Yeow, Senior Secretary, (phone), (email) Roger Hesketh, Program Manager, (phone), (email) Tina Morrow, Program Manager, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (302) 573-4440

Address:

100 West 10th Street, Suite 812 Wilmington, DE 19801 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.publicallies.org/Delaware.aspx

Directions:

Nearest Bus Stop: Rodney Square, 2 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	Yes