The Operation Black Vote and Barrow Cadbury Trust are seeking 50 Black and Minority Ethnic individuals aged 18 and over living in Birmingham or Wolverhampton to participate in the first West Midlands Civic Leadership Programme. The programme aims to address the lack of BME representation in politics, criminal justice, education, and community sectors by providing observation and training opportunities. Past successes include participants becoming school governors, councillors, trustees, and positions in criminal justice. Participants must commit to 10-12 non-consecutive days over 6 months for training and to make a positive difference in their community.

1. Operation Black Vote and Barrow Cadbury Trust
West Midlands Civic Leadership Programme
Becoming the Change
Operation Black Vote and Barrow Cadbury Trust are looking for 50
dynamic and enthusiastic Black and Minority Ethnic (BME)
individuals from Birmingham and Wolverhampton to participate in the
region’s first West Midlands Civic Leadership Programme.
The programme is designed to address the lack of BME individuals at all levels of public and
civic life. The programme will look at:
 Politics
 The Criminal Justice System
 Education
 Voluntary and Community Sectors
It will allow participants to gain experience through observation sessions and training days and
find out more about these areas of public and civic life.
Is this for you?
Beginning in 2013, the scheme is open to BME individuals aged 18 and over who live or work in
Birmingham or Wolverhampton. If you have always wanted to make a difference in your com-
munity and are serious about taking a leadership role, then this is the scheme for you.
Successes from previous schemes include:
 Participants becoming School Governors
 A number of participants becoming Councillors
 Participants becoming trustees, and one being appointed to OFQUAL, an appointment
made by the Secretary of State for Education
 One participant becoming the Chair of the local Safer Neighbourhood Team
This project is supported by Birmingham City Council and Wolverhampton City Council

2. Operation Black Vote and Barrow Cadbury Trust
West Midlands Civic Leadership Programme
Becoming the Change
Scheme participants with their local Safer Neighbourhood team
 To take part you must be able to commit 10-12 non-consecutive days over 6 months for
training and observation days and have the time, enthusiasm, dedication and dynamism and
commitment to make a real and positive difference to your local community.
 By the end of the scheme, you'll be equipped for a leadership role and have the skills needed
to play a full and positive role in public and civic life.
 You’ll also join the OBV alumni, which will continue to provide support, assistance and
opportunities as you develop your aspirations.
Change will not come if we wait for others.
You are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
You are the change that we seek.
President Barack Obama
About Operation Black Vote
Operation Black Vote (OBV) is a non partisan political campaign organisation that aims to address the
Black democratic deficit. Our goal is for a fair, just and inclusive democracy—one that offers rights to
all and demands responsibility from all sections of society.
Our vision is of a talented, energetic and creative Black and minority ethnic community that will improve
British democracy and society: a celebration of difference in the building of new partnerships. We aim
to make this vision real through political education, participation and representation.
Want to find out more or request an application form?
Then get in touch with Francine Fernandes:
Tel: 0208 983 5426 email: civicleaders@obv.org.uk website: www.obv.org.uk
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 9th November
This project is supported by Birmingham City Council and Wolverhampton City Council