Building community through leadership
Vibrant communities depend on people who are willing to engage, lead, and work together for the common good. UNH Extension’s programs and initiatives focus on cultivating meaningful community engagement and strengthening leadership at the local level. By supporting residents, volunteers, boards, and emerging leaders, we provide education, facilitation, and leadership development that build the skills, relationships, and confidence needed to work collaboratively, address local challenges, and foster inclusive civic participation. Together, we help communities build capacity for informed decision-making, amplify diverse local voices, and shape a shared vision for positive, lasting change.
Community Engagement Academy
Strong, vibrant communities grow when people feel informed, included, and empowered to participate. The Community Engagement Academy is designed to strengthen that foundation by teaching practical, innovative, and proven approaches for reaching and involving residents across New Hampshire. Participants explore real examples of local communities that have successfully used public input to guide revitalization efforts, while gaining hands‑on experience with a wide range of engagement tools and strategies.
Housing Academy
Strengthening local capacity for housing planning starts with giving communities the knowledge and support they need to make informed, community‑driven decisions. Housing Academy provides that foundation for recipients of InvestNH Housing Opportunity Planning (HOP) Grants and Community Housing Grants by offering practical housing education, community engagement training, and guidance throughout the development of local engagement strategies. Through Extension, participants gain the tools and insight required to navigate housing challenges and advance solutions shaped by the voices and priorities of their residents.
Skills for Community Volunteers & Leaders
Community leaders and volunteers are most effective when they have the skills needed to guide productive conversations and support sound local decision‑making. Our workshops and webinars focus on practical topics such as meeting management in community settings, facilitation, outreach and engagement, and collaborative problem‑solving. Each training is interactive and designed to equip participants with tools they can immediately put to use in their own communities.
