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Civic Leadership Initiative: Volunteer, Learn, & Lead in Isla Vista

The Civic Leadership Initiative (CLI) empowers Isla Vista residents to take action, build leadership skills, and create meaningful change in their community. Whether you're new to community work or ready to lead, CLI offers three pathways to grow your civic engagement: volunteer with us, take our course, or do both.

Three Pathways to Leadership:

1. Volunteer With us: Community Ambassador Program (CAP)

Get hands-on experience through 10+ hours of service in one quarter.
Fall and Spring Quarters only.

  • Pick a focus area that fits your passion: Composting, beautification, community events, public safety, and more
  • Get matched with meaningful outreach and support roles
  • Earn a letter of recommendation from IVCSD upon completion
  • Ideal for hands-on leaders exploring community work and public service

2. Take our Course: The Intersection of Local Government & Community Advocacy

Dive into how local change happens with an 8-week course taught by experts in Isla Vista.
Winter Quarter only.

  • Learn how public agencies function and how to make your voice heard
  • Connect with a cohort of like-minded peers passionate about positive change
  • Gain skills in advocacy, collaboration, and policy engagement
  • Perfect for those who want to understand the systems shaping Isla Vista

3. Dual Track: Isla Vista Civic Leader Certificate

Complete both the Volunteer and Course tracks to receive a certificate and design your own project.

  • Complete both the Volunteer and Course Tracks
  • Design a final leadership project:
    • Propose a solution to a local challenge
    • OR build a collaboration between organizations to fill a service gap
  • For leaders ready to leave a legacy and shape the future of Isla Vista

 

Why Join CLI?

  • Make a direct, measurable impact in your community
  • Gain hands-on experience in community work
  • Build a professional network with IVCSD, nonprofits, and fellow leaders
  • Develop your resume and leadership skills

 

Upcoming Application Cycle:

 Applications for our 2025 Fall Quarter volunteer track will open in late summer. Check back here for updated applications details and due dates!

 

Who can Join CLI?

Anyone can join IVCSD's Civic Leaders Initiative! You do NOT need to be a student at UCSB, SBCC, or any other institution to participate. This course offers valuable skills anyone can use to advocate for change in their community and throughout their lives.

 

CLI in Action:

 

A group of people sorting through soil on a mesh table in an outdoor setting.
A group of people smiling and posing together in a room with a white screen and framed pictures on the wall.
A person with curly hair stands by a bike holding the handlebar near orange buckets and yellow flowers on a sidewalk.
Two people smiling, holding cards with honeycomb designs, sitting at a blue table outside with sunny weather.
Two people in light blue shirts smiling, standing in a parking lot near a yellow structure and a black wall.
Three people smiling at an outdoor table with art supplies on a sunny day.
A group of people sorting through soil on a mesh table in an outdoor setting.
A group of people smiling and posing together in a room with a white screen and framed pictures on the wall.
A person with curly hair stands by a bike holding the handlebar near orange buckets and yellow flowers on a sidewalk.
Two people smiling, holding cards with honeycomb designs, sitting at a blue table outside with sunny weather.
Two people in light blue shirts smiling, standing in a parking lot near a yellow structure and a black wall.
Three people smiling at an outdoor table with art supplies on a sunny day.