Leadership Development Programs

We work with immigrant residents to develop and train leaders to advocate for the issues that are important to them and their communities.

TRP Community Navigator Program

Developing Leaders and Building Power through Community-Based Protection

Group of people sitting at tables in a classroom setting, some wearing matching maroon shirts, with papers and coffee cups in front of them.

As of 2024, TRP has 70 active community navigators who provide culturally relevant, in-language education and outreach to thousands of immigrants in the Chicago area every year.

TRP’s Community Navigator Program functions as a community-based legal defense strategy that effectively takes legal support directly into Chicago communities that have high concentrations of foreign-born households. These Navigators provide invaluable outreach, education, accompaniment, and referrals to services to immigrant communities.

A group of people seated around tables in a community meeting room with an American flag in the background. The room is crowded, and people are engaging in a discussion. There are banners and posters on the walls.

TRP has developed a nationally recognized community-based protection program, through which immigrant leaders are trained as Community Navigators to provide trustworthy information, resources, and referrals to their communities.

Through their work, Community Navigators develop as leaders and empower fellow immigrants in their neighborhoods. They engage in campaigns and advocacy to change the policies that affect their lives. The Community Navigator program promotes leadership development, community-based protection, and power-building.

TRP Parent Mentor Program

Developing Leaders and Building Power through Parent Engagement in Community Schools

A group of twelve women standing together outdoors, smiling under a tree canopy. They are dressed in casual, colorful attire and positioned on a paved path with greenery around. Part of a house exterior is visible in the background.
Group of people posing in front of a colorful mural, wearing matching shirts, in an office setting.

As part of the state-wide Parent Mentor Program, TRP develops parent leaders and builds power in 14 Pilsen and Back of the Yards elementary schools. Every year, more than 115 Parent Mentors develop their leadership skills and build power to create stronger, healthier schools and communities. Parent Mentors volunteer in classrooms in their children’s schools for at least 100 hours. They also receive weekly training and consistent support from Coordinators and Organizers, all of whom are former Parent Mentors.

Through the program, participants develop as leaders and work together to reach personal goals and unite the school community for long-term change.