Program Overview

Community Leadership Certificate

The Community Leadership Certificate (CLC) is a free leadership development program designed by students for students. It focuses on anti-oppressive, community-centered leadership and teaches collaborative skills and practical knowledge. This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their current leadership position.

Program Structure

The CLC consists of four sequential workshops that must be taken in a specific order:

1. Foundations of Collaborative Leadership
2. Leading with Curiosity
3. Collaborative Team Building
4. Harm Reductive Communication and Conflict Resolution

Three Steps to Certification

Step One: Attend the Core Four Workshops

The core four workshops provide the building blocks of community and leadership, led by current student leaders.

Step Two: Complete Ten Leadership Hours

To fulfill step two requirements, students must complete 10 hours of volunteer or paid time in a leadership position of their choosing. The position must:

• be completed after attending all four CLC workshops
• have some level of responsibility, such as an active role in planning or organizing
• allow validation of hours through a reference

What Counts as a Leadership Experience?

Any role or activity where students lead counts. Possible leadership opportunities may include:

• Warrior Recreation Sports Clubs
• Intramural Programs
• Fitness and wellness instructor
• Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA)
  • Student bodies
  • Student-run services
  • Clubs
• Graduate Student Association
• Residence Front Desk Assistant
• Residence Don
• Writing and Communication Centre
• Peer Success Coaching
• Orientation Leader
• International Peer Community Leader
• Conversation Partner Program
• Peer Health Educator
• Tutoring
• EDGE experiences
• Career Leaders
• Centre for Teaching Excellence
• Research institutes
• Navigating group projects
• Part-time and co-op roles
• Student ambassador
• Workshop facilitator
• Coaching
• Event/conference volunteer
• Planning or supporting a campus event
• Faculty opportunities
  • Arts
  • Science
  • Health
  • Engineering
  • Environment
  • Math

Step Three: Submit Your Reflection

After finishing the four workshops and 10 leadership hours, students must complete a short, guided reflection. The reflection can be completed in written, video, PowerPoint, or ePortfolio format.

Why Complete the CLC?

The CLC offers several benefits, including:

• Participating in conversation-based workshops to explore equity and leadership theories with fellow students
• Engaging with the Waterloo community in leadership roles to practice skills
• Reflecting on experiences and articulating learnings
• Enhancing resumes by developing valuable soft skills
• Expanding networks by connecting with students across all six faculties