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The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) offers teens a singular opportunity to have a voice in their lives and in their communities.

The mission of LDI is to create youth development opportunities that raise awareness of political, social and economic issues affecting the quality of life of adolescents at The Door and in the community-at-large. LDI aims to develop young leaders who will understand the underlying causes of these issues and develop sophisticated responses to them. LDI fosters the qualities of leadership—self-awareness, communication skills, goal setting, teamwork, and reflection—in all participants.

The Leadership Development Institute combines a series of seminars on topics such as conflict resolution, self-advocacy, and goal-setting with real-life leadership opportunities where youth gain concrete leadership experience. Graduates move on to become peer mentors for future cohorts, and participate in a youth caucus to oversee the program and recruit new participants. The program brings together a range of cross-departmental opportunities for young people to realize their full potential and make changes in their lives and in their communities.

Summer 2007 marked the third year of LDI and an successful summer session. Young people organized and participated in a wide range of leadership opportunities, including:

  • HYPE (HIV/AIDS Youth-driven Prevention Education)
  • “Fall Back” Conflict Resolution Workshop
  • Media Boot-Camp
  • Bustin’ Out Theater Ensemble
  • Women Writers Summer Salon
  • TASI Workshops – Peer Sexual Health Educators
  • Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Young Girls
  • “Know Your Rights” Peer Educators for Foster Youth
  • Radio Development & Production for Podcasting
  • “Life on the Real”—Mental Health Counseling and Education
  • B.O.L.D. - Brighter Opportunities for Life Development
  • Film Production
  • Dispute Resolution through Mediation and Litigation
  • Back 2 School Identity Fashion Show
  • Feelin’ Fly: Women’s Wellness
  • Phenomenal Women – Planning for a 2007 Young Women’s Conference
  • Connections – The Resource Guide for NYC Young Adults
  • Doorlympics

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