Community Leadership Certificate

Learn to build trusting relationships, foster collaboration and become a curiosity-driven leader.

A free leadership development program made by students for students.  

The Community Leadership Certificate (CLC) focuses on anti-oppressive, community-centered leadership and teaches collaborative skills and practical knowledge. This program is for all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of whether you currently hold a leadership position or not. 

CHAPTER ONE Foundations of Collaborative Leadership
CHAPTER TWO Leading with Curiosity
CHAPTER THREE Collaborative Team Building
CHAPTER FOUR Harm Reductive Communications and Conflict Resolution

Three steps to certification

Step one: attend the core four workshops

Explore the building blocks of community and leadership led by current student leaders. CLC consists of four sequential workshops that must be taken in this specific order:

  1. Foundations of Collaborative Leadership (FCL)
  2. Leading with Curiosity
  3. Collaborative Team Building

  4. Harm Reductive Communication and Conflict Resolution

Step two: complete ten leadership hours

Engaging in your learning process is crucial for honing your leadership vision. While acquiring knowledge is a vital step one, applying knowledge is a crucial step two.

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

  • be completed after you’ve attended all four of the CLC workshops

  • have some level of responsibility such as an active role in planning or organizing. (i.e not only a participant/attendee).

  • allow validation of hours through a reference

What counts as a leadership experience?

Any role or activity where you lead counts. The position can be inside or outside the UWaterloo community.

We encourage you to pursue opportunities that interest you. Possible leadership opportunities may include (but are not restricted to) the following:

You will be required to provide the name and contact information of the person who can verify your experience.

If you need support finding an activity or would like to discuss off-campus/community opportunities, please contact Sam Germann.

Step three: Submit your reflection

After finishing the four workshops and 10 leadership hours, complete this short, guided reflection. Take your time to connect what you learned in workshops and from your experience by answering three questions. 

The reflection is the final component of the program and can be completed in written, video, PowerPoint, or ePortfolio format. 

Please find full details and submission portal for your reflection on the Certify page. 

Why should I complete the CLC?

  • To participate in conversation-based workshops and explore equity and leadership theories with and led by fellow students.
  • To engage with the Waterloo community in leadership roles to practice your skills.
  • To reflect on your experiences and articulate your learnings.
  • To enhance your resume by developing valuable soft skills.
  • To expand your network by connecting with students across all six faculties.

Where can I find information on SLP and FTP?

Developed with feedback from student consultants, the Student Leadership Program (SLP) and Foundational Training Program (FTP) have been transformed and integrated into the Community Leadership Certificate (CLC).

SLP and FTP closed and CLC launched in spring 2024.

Please visit our frequently asked questions page for more details.

How can I stay in the know about upcoming workshops?