Leadership Wisconsin

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FAQ’s

The following are responses to the most frequently asked questions about the Leadership Wisconsin. Please feel free to contact our office with any other questions you may have.

What is the goal of Leadership Wisconsin?

The goal of the innovative Leadership Wisconsin program is to develop leaders to strengthen communities. In order to meet community challenges and recognize opportunities, Wisconsin needs leaders who show initiative, listen intently, understand the breadth of perspective on issues, assume responsibility and exercise sound decision making. For over twenty-five years Leadership Wisconsin has provided communities, businesses, and organizations with leaders; leaders who have a broader vision, an understanding of themselves and the world, as well as a clearer appreciation of the interdependence of issues that impact it.

Who is the program for?

Leadership Wisconsin is designed for Wisconsin residents from widely diverse backgrounds and experiences—rural, urban, and suburban. They all share a strong desire to actively participate in meeting the challenges facing their communities. Applicants are old enough to have demonstrated their leadership abilities but young enough to still be able to make significant future leadership contributions. This includes individuals in business, education, social service, religion and government, just to name a few. These are people who want to improve and increase their leadership capacity. The program is not a starting point, rather an opportunity for individuals who have already exhibited leadership capacity and are ready for the next level of intensive leadership development.

Who benefits from the program?

The benefits of Leadership Wisconsin are clearly invaluable for the individual Fellow, for employers and for communities.

Fellows will connect with influential, top thinkers and decision-makers on important issues. Fellows grow as in confidence and expand their leadership. They are exposed to new and differing viewpoints, concepts and philosophies. They broaden their understanding & perspectives of social, cultural, economic and political issues.

Communities gain committed, knowledgeable and action-oriented people to serve as catalysts in promoting positive changes—people willing to roll up their sleeves and work to make Wisconsin a better place. The program encourages creative partnerships and initiatives between the public and private sectors.

Businesses will have employees with increased organizational, leadership and problem solving skills. Employees connected to a diverse network of global leaders. Leaders will be better prepared to address issues and keep their organizations on the cutting edge. They will have improved their ability to work more effectively. Employees will enhance their ability to manage change in times of uncertainty.

What are the selection criteria?

The Board of Directors has a commitment to ensuring diversity within each group including geographical, professional, gender, ethnicity and other diversities, which greatly enrich the growth and development of the fellows and the group as a whole. Applicants are selected based on the following criteria.

Demonstrated leadership ability,
Leadership potential and commitment for the future,
A breadth of perspective on issues,
A knowledge of Wisconsin,
An open mind,
The ability to work effectively with people, and
A commitment to fully participate in the program.

How can I express my interest or submit my nomination?

Leadership Wisconsin accepts self-nominations or you can nominate someone you know who meets the selection criteria by simply contacting our office via regular mail, phone, fax, email or through our website.

After my interest in Leadership Wisconsin is known, what happens next?

You will be placed on our mailing list. Approximately every 4-6 weeks thereafter, you will receive information from us describing more about the program experience and encouraging you to fill out the application form.

How does the application process work?

Essentially, there are four steps. First, each individual completes their application by Nov 1, 2011 which includes a written application and three letters of reference. Secondly, the pool of applicants is screened. Thirdly for those invited an individual interview will be held. These are conducted by subcommittees and held in various locations around the state. Finally, the recommendations of the subcommittees are passed onto the Selection Committee and to the Board of Directors for final selection. Group XV then begins with an orientation session in the spring of 2012.

How can I get an application?

You can go to our website and download an application at: www.LeadershipWisconsin.org or you can contact our office and an application will be mailed to you. The application requires sufficient time to fill out properly, so please be sure to allow ample time to prepare the needed materials to meet the November 1 deadline. Applicants are selected for an interview based on the information they provide in the application and the letters of reference. Every response is important.

What is the timetable for selection?

Applications are due Nov 1, 2011. Invited applicants are scheduled for interviews in Jan/Feb 2012. The new group is approved by the Board of Directors and individually notified no later than the end of March 2012.

How many fellows are selected?

Every two years up to 35 fellows are selected. Due to restricted capacity some qualified applicants may not be chosen for inclusion in a particular group. Individuals are strongly encouraged to reapply in subsequent years.

What is the design and format of the program?

The program consists of eleven seminars conducted throughout the two-year period. Through partnerships with the University of Wisconsin System, business and community leaders, Leadership Wisconsin employs a variety of educational strategies that help fellows to encounter different cultural, social and economic settings. “It’s like having a backstage pass to a concert or theatre production.” Through a range of educational strategies Leadership Wisconsin exposes you to people, ideas, and issues you would not otherwise encounter. You travel to other parts of our state, our country, and the world to broaden your perspective on a range of current, cutting-edge themes and issues. You gain analytical tools, sharpen your communication skills and engage in a growing network of leaders. Over 400 resource people from varied disciplines and professions present during the seminars annually. To see photos and to read descriptions of our seminar experiences written by fellows visit our website.

What kind of time commitment is expected for this program?

In all, the experience requires approximately 55 days. All Wisconsin seminars begin on Wednesday morning and end Friday afternoon. The National and Regional seminars typically run seven days, generally departing on departing on Saturday and returning on Friday. The International seminar is approximately 14 days. Additionally, there will be prep work for each seminar.

The time commitment for the program should not be minimized since fellows are expected to take part in all seminars. As a result, self-employed applicants must demonstrate their willingness and ability to be away from their enterprise for the necessary time. If an applicant is not self-employed, in view of the time that will be spent away from the job, the applicant must have the written support of his or her employer. In addition, spouses/partners are asked to provide a written statement which shows they have discussed and understand the time commitment the program will entail.

Schedule for Group XV (2012—2014)

April or May, 2012; Orientation
July 25-27, 2012; State Government
Sept 19-21, 2012;   Leadership
Nov 7-9, 2012; Current Issues
Jan 16-18, 2013;  Individuals and Community
Mar 16-22, 2013; National Seminar, Washington, DC
June 12-14, 2013;   Technology Seminar
Sept 15-20, 2013;  Regional Seminar
Nov 6-8, 2013; Global Economics Seminar
Nov 8-9, 2013;  International Seminar Orientation
Jan 15-17, 2014;  Diversity Seminar: Finding Common Ground
Feb-March 2014; International Seminar, (Two weeks internationally – country to be determined)
July 16-18, 2014;  Environmental Issues Seminar
July 19, 2014;  Legacy of Leadership and Recognition Celebration

As a fellow what can I expect from my participation?

We work with individuals to capitalize on their leadership potential. The program helps participants to meet the challenges of leadership by:

Broadening their understanding and perspectives of political, economic and social issues,
Building upon and deepening their leadership skills and abilities,
Meeting and networking with key state, national and international leaders in a wide variety of fields,
Learning more about themselves – their leadership strengths, values, personal and professional goals, and
Gaining a broader understanding of the world, its peoples and their relationship to our communities, first-hand through state, regional, national and international travel seminars.

Can I get credit for my participation in Leadership Wisconsin?

Fellows receive a total of 48 CEU’s for their complete participation. Academic undergraduate or graduate credit hours can also be pursued by the participant through a university or college; there will be additional fees for this level of accreditation.

What are the costs of the program?

The total program cost per fellow is $19,000. Included in these costs are all faculty, facilitators, and speakers; program materials; most meals; all seminar lodging and all out-of-state and out-of-country travel. Fellows are responsible for $7500—about 1/3 of the total program costs.

Payment Schedule

Once a fellow has been notified of his/her selection for the upcoming group experience they will asked to acknowledge their selection and remit a non-refundable $500 Acceptance Fee. Then beginning in July 2012 the remainder of the fees can be spread out over the course of the first 18 months and paid in monthly installments of $390, for a total of $7,500. There are several options to fulfill this fee obligation.

What if I still feel I can’t afford to participate in Leadership Wisconsin?

We encourage fellows to seek out at least one half of their fees through sponsorships. Most fellows pay at least a portion of the fees themselves; some receive employer support and others receive local sponsorships. In some cases, fellows have solicited enough sponsorship to pay for the entire amount. We choose fellows based on the criteria regardless of financial ability. We have a strong commitment to creating a community of leaders/learners reflective of the people of Wisconsin—rich in diversity and backgrounds. Yet, we understand that it can be difficult for leaders from financially strapped situations. Therefore, Leadership Wisconsin maintains a Financial Aid fund and assists fellows who need financial assistance. A fellow may apply for financial aid during the second year of the program, after an assessment of their progress in seeking sponsorships.

Are sponsors for the program difficult to get?

During the Orientation session, fellows will receive training and information on how to seek out and obtain sponsorship.

Are there other costs associated with the program?

Business attire is required and for some this may mean additional costs. There are also travel costs to and from the Wisconsin seminars. After the Orientation Session, most fellows work out a carpooling schedule. Occasionally, fellows will be asked to pay for some of their meals.

What do graduates say about their experience?

The greatest lesson I have learned through the program is truly listening to other perspectives. I have grown a great deal through this experience and it has allowed me to expand my world.
Leanne Ketterhagen, Group XI, World Teach Volunteer, Chile

The learning environment is a positive and engaging one. It provides a constructive platform to challenge its participants. Tom Weston, Group IX, Banker, First National Bank-Viroqua

The program was an invaluable journey of self-understanding, appreciation for the world around me, and confidence in the leadership role I can play in my community.
Fariba Pendleton, Group VIII, Professor, UW Extension, Superior

What a phenomenal experience! I cannot believe the two years has gone by already! The program creates an incredible public space to debate and discuss issues in a very respectful yet challenging forum. I do not know of any other place where I have experienced such a great diversity of people tackling such a diversity of issues in so many ways. The challenges this program presented me with came from areas I didn’t expect, but I know for certain I’m a better person as a result of both the challenges and the support that I got to face them.
Dennis Deery, Group X, Computer Consultant, Irish Rose Consulting, Menomonie

Impacts

Our graduates have gone on to make a difference in health care, economic development, agriculture, education, and much more. Among the ranks of Leadership Wisconsin alumni are leaders in business, not ‐for‐profit organizations, and elected officials including Mayors, School Board members and State Legislators.

87% serve as board members for area hospitals, businesses, community, civic and nonprofit organizations.
69% hold or have held elected positions for school boards, town and county boards as well as the state legislature.
47% are involved in organizations that support their professions or industries.

Dynamic cutting edge curriculum that keeps pace with leadership issues, educational trends and global challenges.
96% of alumni said that the experience was key to their leadership development.
73% of alumni indicated that they use their knowledge and skills at least once a week.
Held as model program by other leadership programs at the local, state and international.
Faculty – are key local, state, national and international; university, community and business leaders.
Alumni go onto be actively involved in leadership in their communities, organizations and businesses.

For these reasons and more Leadership Wisconsin was recognized in 2003 by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation as “one of the exemplary leadership development programs in the nation.”

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