Upon acceptance into the Leadership for Social Change program, each participant is required to pay a program tuition of $300 due no later than Saturday, February 6th, 2021. Participants will be asked to complete an employer commitment agreement. The commitment is a way for participants to share their acceptance with their employers, ensure they are in agreement about the time commitment, and highlight the participant’s commitment to ongoing leadership development. We encourage participants to explore with their supervisors the possibility of the company sponsoring their participation. Scholarships are available for those experiencing financial hardships. Please inquire for more details.

25 participants will be selected for the 2021 Leadership for Social Change Program. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussion with each other, workshop presenters, and Columbus community leaders around a myriad of social justice and personal development topics. The program seeks to support emerging leaders who bring new ideas, methods and energy to social change work. Throughout the duration of the program and beyond, participants will be challenged to do the following:

• Participate in workshops facilitated by those working with social change organizations, particularly grassroots and community-based groups
• Enhance their confidence to actively participate in democratic processes
• Strive to strengthen their ability to help shape progressive policies in the communities in which they live and work
• Develop theoretical and practical knowledge/approaches to leadership and social change
• Identify and build relationships with community members within local social service, education, and governmental agencies as they begin to participate in movement building work
• Contribute to changing discourses in various workplace environments to endorse progressive social justice values
• Participate in group volunteer opportunities that utilize their leadership skills and passions to benefit a local non-profit organization

This 11-month learning experience will include formal and informal learning opportunities for participants. Program components will appeal to a variety of leadership learning styles and may include, but not be limited to, personal and professional development, experiential learning, fundraising, mentorship and networking. The safety and health of all YWCA Columbus program participants is our first concern. 2021 Leadership for Social Change sessions will take place virtually while COVID-19 social distancing recommendations persist.

See a 2021 schedule here.

Leadership for Social Change participants are expected to do the following:

• Miss no more than three of all scheduled meetings and events including the mandatory opening retreat on Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6 2021 and the mandatory closing retreat on Saturday, November 13, 2021
• Fully participate in all discussions, activities and networking opportunities
• Complete all the requirements of the Board Member Informational Interview. (Participants must conduct an informational interview with a sitting board member of a nonprofit of their choosing, and turn in a one-page written summary of their experience before the Closing Retreat on November 13, 2021.)
• Complete the program volunteer service requirement
• Be open to new ideas and points of view

See schedule here for time commitments.

The application to join the 2021 cohort is now closed.

A completed application will include the following:

• Application
• Resume
• One (1) letter of reference from non-family members (employer, mentor, spiritual leader, community service organization, past LSC graduate, etc.)

Please contact Caroline Woliver with any additional questions.