Val M. Tate, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, has been an activist and organizer in Indianapolis for the past 25 years. She champions causes such as quality childcare, education, public safety, Asset-Based Community Development, Trauma-Informed Community Organizing, senior citizens, re-entry programs, and the development of youth and resident leadership.

 

Val is a certified training consultant through Ball State’s Center for Organizational Resources and serves as a national coach with the Resident Leadership Facilitation—a curriculum developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation as part of their 10-year Making Connections initiative. She is also a faculty member and Certified Resident Leadership Trainer with NeighborWorks America, as well as a Certified Real Colors Facilitator and Certified Leadership Coach through the Certified Coaches Alliance. Most recently, Val obtained certification as a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP), having completed a rigorous examination process demonstrating her mastery of the core competencies required to successfully manage and lead within the nationwide network of Community Action agencies.

 

With this extensive expertise, Val designs facilitation, training, and coaching programs that enhance the capacity of neighborhood-based organizations and empower residents to mobilize assets, support grassroots leadership, and foster collaboration. As a Community Engagement Coach, Val works across various neighborhoods in Indianapolis, designing and overseeing leadership development models such as Ripple Effect Leadership and Wii Connect Programs. Both models emphasize residents taking charge of their own self-development and advocacy efforts within their communities.

 

Val is also a co-writer of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center’s (INRC) Organizer’s Workbook, published in both its 1st and 2nd editions. This workbook focuses on coaching resident leaders in the principles of Asset-Based Community Development, Resident-Based Accountability, Appreciative Inquiry, and Community Organizing, among others. These tools promote collaborative efforts to bring about positive change in both neighborhoods and individuals.

 

Currently, Val serves as the Principal and CEO of Wii Connect LLC. This organization provides sector assistance that engages neighborhoods and communities in trauma-informed and asset-based ways.