""This organization is a huge asset to our community. They invest in and develop everyday people into extraordinary leaders. This is vital to our communities' ability to thrive." Julie Andersen, Former Director Wisconsin Apprentice Organizers Project

A philosophy and spirit of community organizing and grassroots leadership underlie everything the LCEC does.

In past years, this program of organizing and leadership development has taken the form of VISTA volunteers recruited from the neighborhood who developed leadership trainings for residents, organized to get playgrounds built, and organized a Talent Show for their children. More recently, the LCEC has supported the formation of youth- and women-led groups within LCEC.