BUFFALO, NY — Campaigns like the Fruit Belt Community Land Trust, cash bail reform and the Poor People’s Campaign are examples of Buffalonians turning their frustration into meaningful action.

“A lot of times we talk about the issues that are here, but, we don’t know how to really focus on them and get to help other people within the community," said Leah Angel.

Teaching people how to identify and solve problems in Buffalo is the purpose of Open Buffalo’s Emerging Leaders program. The program is seeking candidates for its next class in the fall.

"There's a difference between a protester, an activist and an organizer,” said India Walton, community organizer and 2015 Emerging Leaders graduate. “Open Buffalo's Emerging Leaders is training for organizers".

During the five month apprenticeship, attendees will learn about various topics including local government, climate justice and sustainable housing.

Graduates of the program have gone on to work in city government, with state legislators and for local community organizations.

“What Buffalo needs, especially on the east side, is organizers to teach people how we harness community power and build power in a way that is able to shift the narrative and influence our lawmakers to do what is in the best interest of the people," said Walton.

The program is free and begins in August. Applications for Emerging Leaders will be accepted until July 2, 2018.