New England Leadership Institute:

Key Program Elements

The Leadership & Justice Institute is distinguished by the coherency of its Leadership & Justice Framework and the methods by which leadership competencies are introduced incrementally, reinforced through follow-up events and activities, and coupled with actual leadership practice and reflection. At the first in-person event, L&J Fellows are introduced to the overall Framework and each of its seven core competencies. Over the next fourteen months, Fellows and Mentors cycle through each of the core competencies several times – through both subsequent online and in-person events -- each time going deeper into the Framework, exploring and practicing additional tools and skills and applying these to well-crafted case scenarios and the Fellows’ chosen leadership initiatives. Each of the Institute’s components builds upon and reinforces each other. These are described below.

• In-person training via New England regional campus. Fellows participate in four two-to-three day in-person training events over the fifteen month Leadership Institute. Mentors join Fellows for at least one day of each in-person event.
• Online training/follow-up via CLAE online campus. The Leadership Institute also includes regular online asynchronous (not at the same time) and synchronous discussions and learning activities conducted via the CLAE online campus. The online campus enables Fellows and Mentors to continue learning, practicing and reflecting on new leadership concepts and skills between in-person gatherings. It also supports the development of a strong leadership community.
• Leadership “Toolkit”: An integral part of the curriculum is the opportunity to practice using specific leadership tools. The “leadership toolkit” will be an ongoing resource for Fellows, Mentors and others.
• Mentoring relationships: The Leadership Institute adds the critical component of creating and sustaining mentor relationships. Mentors are chosen based on their demonstrated leadership, commitment to legal aid and willingness to support others’ leadership development. Mentors also participate in an initial training program that introduces them to the Leadership & Justice curriculum and the skills necessary to serve effectively as mentors.
• Leadership initiatives: Each Fellow works on at least one leadership initiative to which they apply new leadership concepts, skills and tools.
• Leadership development opportunities: Mentors and sponsoring programs ensure that Fellows have actual opportunities, related to or beyond their specified leadership initiative, through which they can further develop leadership skills.
• Program support: Sponsoring programs ensure that Fellows and Mentors have adequate time and necessary support to participate fully in the Leadership Institute.
• Leadership Institute Oversight: A regionally representative oversight committee meets periodically to review Institute progress and effectiveness.