1828: Getting Closer to the Work

After graduating from college, like a lot of millennials who were unfortunate recipients of the remnants of the financial crisis of the late 2000s, I entered a job market that wasn’t exactly overflowing with opportunities for political science majors.

I worked in places that provided a level of financial stability and, importantly, around people who were invested in me. I’m grateful for that. But I also knew I wasn’t necessarily working within my purpose, which for me had always been much more people-centered.

During a happenstance conversation at an Indianapolis Urban League Exchange event, I met Molly Chavers, who suggested I apply for the 1828 Leadership Project. As a kid who was overly involved growing up, wanted to do all the things and meet all the people, the premise of a leadership development program centered on Indianapolis was right up my alley.

Over the span of nine months, Class VI met with leaders from across the city in spaces I probably would not have otherwise experienced. I gained a new respect not only for the work that made headlines, but for the people behind the scenes who made the city work every day.

Civic engagement became more real to me during that time. I came to understand the importance of being informed and holding people and institutions accountable but also holding myself accountable for being an engaged citizen. It wasn’t enough to have an opinion about Indianapolis. I had a responsibility to find my own way to contribute to it.

Over the past 15 years, 1828 has provided more than 250 leaders between the ages of 18 and 28 with that same opportunity. Their individual takeaways are undoubtedly different, but at its core, the program gives young people a chance to better understand their city, build meaningful relationships and determine what the next step in their own leadership journey might look like.

That feels especially important right now. We are living through an era where a lack of social connection may have a more profound impact than we fully understand, with consequences we probably won’t recognize for years. 1828 creates something increasingly valuable: proximity. Proximity to people moving Indianapolis forward and to a class of peers who are figuring out how they want to contribute, too.

The application is available now. For anyone invested in Indianapolis and their own personal growth, I would highly recommend applying.

I can say from experience that you may enter the program simply wanting to learn more about your city. You may leave with a much clearer understanding of the role you want to play in it.