Empowering communities.
Effective community leaders bring people together. They help create a supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for individuals to thrive. They engage citizens, strengthen agency and foster community resilience.
Community leadership development involves working with community agencies, non-profit organizations, and both the public and private sectors, along with the people they represent. Effectiveness in community leadership requires specific core competencies such as communication and listening skills, public relations and marketing, cultural intelligence, financial and project management, board governance and ongoing personal and professional development. It means advocating for the needs and rights of community members and helping to build strong, cohesive communities.
With the Community Leadership Development program at CNA, you will explore different leadership styles, best practices and models used when coordinating service delivery, managing projects, and evaluating services while responding to a variety of community needs, including working with diverse populations.
In this exciting two-year diploma program, you will engage in developing individual leadership capacity while exploring and researching social and economic situations in a community. You will explore skill development that includes communication skills, leadership development and problem-solving, with a goal of becoming an agent for change and empowerment.
Be a part of driving positive change – be a community leader.
Program Highlights
- Certifications built into the program for immediate entry-level community leadership development work (Mental Health First Aid, CPI Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
- Covers topics such as family studies, working with an aging population, child and youth justice, disability studies, mental health and addictions
- Participate in on-going group activities and community initiatives, and two field placements with an employer under the direction of a field placement supervisor
- Participate during a non-profit organization’s strategic planning *A requirement leading up to the field placement experience includes a current Certificate of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check. This is also required for volunteer opportunities within the program and by the field placement employers.
Did You Know?
- The community is one of the foundations of our modern society (Putnam, 2001).[1]
- Community development is one of the most productive ways to improve the lives and livelihoods of individuals within a community (Syme & Ritterman, 2009).
- The average salary for Community Support Worker is $51,708 per year in Canada.[2]
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Work effectively and professionally with communities to address current needs and issues (e.g. working with diverse populations, child and youth care, seniors and age-friendly communities, immigration, disabilities and inclusion, mental health and well-being, violence, addictions).
- Demonstrate leadership competencies with innovative approaches to problem-solving, decision-making and managing projects and/or community programs/services.
- Work effectively with individuals, families, groups and organizations, by having a foundational knowledge of the stages of human development and recognizing the value of social and cultural diversity.
- Participate during a non-profit organization’s strategic planning, volunteer recruitment, advocacy and governance.
- Utilize social media and technology for professional purposes, particularly with non-profit community-based organizations and their networking/stakeholder engagement activities.
- Research, organize, facilitate and manage community projects and initiatives.
- Demonstrate a capacity to act as change agents to amend conditions within communities.
- Communicate with proficiency, clarity, accuracy and confidence among groups and stakeholders.
- Write professional proposals, complete grant applications and fundraise secure funds and sustain existing initiatives and projects.
- Demonstrate by example the importance of self-care and healthy living while also exploring proactive measures towards mental health, well-being and healthy aging by lifelong learning and collaboration with others.
- Cultivate community partnerships, build relationships and raise awareness of common issues and goals among partners and stakeholders (e.g. non-profit organizations, government agencies and the private sector).
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Working within the human services field offers profoundly rewarding opportunities and work experiences. Graduates of the Community Leadership Development Diploma program may find employment with diverse populations among a myriad of organizations and agencies within community, private and public sectors.
This may include, but is not limited to, employment in the following areas:
- Addiction Services
- Child and Youth Care
- Community Education
- Disability Services
- Family Services
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Residential Support
- Senior Wellness
- Violence Prevention
- Youth Justice
PROGRAM TRANSFERABILITY
Cape Brenton University
1. Graduates who have completed the Community Leadership Development diploma program from CNA will receive up to a maximum of 45 credit hours of transfer towards the 90 credits required for Cape Brenton University's (CBU) 3-year Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) degree program. Students must meet CBU's entrance criteria and have obtained the CNA's minimum passing grade in all courses to be accepted for advanced standing and direct entry to CBU's BACS Degree Program.
OR
2. Graduates who have completed the Community Leadership Development diploma program from CNA will receive up to a maximum of 60 credit hours of transfer towards the 120 credits required for Cape Brenton University's (CBU) 4-year Bachelor of Arts Community Studies Major/Minor degree program. Students must meet CBU's entrance criteria and have obtained CNA's minimum passing grade in all courses to be accepted for advanced standing and direct entry to CBU's BACS Degree Program.
Saint Mary’s University
Graduates who have completed the Community Leadership Development diploma program from CNA may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Arts program at Saint Mary’s University (SMU). CNA students who meet SMU admission requirements and have obtained an overall average of 70% in their courses, may be granted up to 60 hours in a 120-credit hour degree program.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science Transition Certificate
Effective Academic Year 2025 - 2026:
College Transition
College Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are at least 19 years of age at the time of application and have been out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Certificate of Conduct
A clear Certificate of Conduct, including a vulnerable sector category, will be required. This Certificate can be obtained from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the program. Please note that this documentation is required in order to be accepted into the program.
PLEASE NOTE
- Factors contributing to student success within this program include the following: good writing skills, volunteer work and the enjoyment of helping others.
- Additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities.
- Students should be aware that additional fees apply for certifications.