One fifth of NeighborWorks® America’s nearly 250 network organizations serve in areas that include Native land or include large Native populations. Many have meaningful partnerships.
But for organizations both in and outside the network that are interested in expanding work in Native communities – or those who have little to no experience working with Native organizations – it can be hard to find the right rhythm and footing. How do you know the best way to approach a Native organization? How can you offer help while centering the community’s vision?
A NeighborWorks course, which will be offered at the upcoming NeighborWorks Training Institute in Chicago, aims to answer these questions. The course, Developing Successful Partnerships with Native Organizations, has been offered since 2021.
“Any time I am approached by non-Natives or anyone who wants to work with tribes, they always ask me: What’s the first thing I can do to build a relationship with tribal communities?” said Mel Willie, Senior Director of Native Partnerships and Strategies at NeighborWorks America. “The answer is knowing about tribal communities.” 
The course serves as an introduction and a history, with practical case studies, interactive discussion and more. “It goes beyond cultural competency,” Willie said. “It gives you dialogue and a way to really think through strategies. It’s strongly encouraged for any organization that wants to work in tribal communities or work with tribes on housing and community development.”
The class is taught by faculty from Seven Sisters, a woman-owned organization that has a close partnership with NeighborWorks.
“Through the course, I hope that learners will come away with a deeper understanding of Native communities, the impact of history, and why things are the way they are,” said Leslie Newman, one of the instructors for the February course. “I hope they feel more confident, prepared, ready to embark on new collaborations with Native partners.”
The class will take place Feb. 23-24, the first two days of the NTI. Willie said he recommends the class for community development organizations, banking institutions and federal agencies. “It gives you a strategy for engagement.”
Each time the course is offered, it is led by both a Native and non-Native instructor in tandem, Willie said. “That makes both folks who are Native and non-Native feel comfortable and have an open dialogue; you get various perspectives.”
Those who have taken the class before have said it’s made them feel more comfortable engaging with Native partners. “It’s a good groundwork of historical connections between tribes as it relates to housing and community development,” Willie said.
To register for this course and others, visit the NeighborWorks Training Institute website. NeighborWorks is offering an early-bird discount for participants who register by Dec. 31, 2025.
