Our Training Approach

The Center for Progressive Leadership designs and delivers interactive training that is focused on long-term, comprehensive leadership development for individuals at every level of political involvement.

Developing Progressive Political Leaders

From elected officials and campaign staff to advocacy leaders and community organizers, CPL's training focuses on the tools and resources individuals need to advance long-lasting progressive change.

Long-Term, Comprehensive Leadership Training

CPL’s staff and faculty are experts at developing relevant and innovative curriculum for our programs, as well as delivering transformative trainings that give individuals the tools they need to advance progressive policies. Our programs utilize a variety of techniques to create a comprehensive learning experience, including:

• interactive workshops
• mentorship
• leadership coaching
• project-based work, and
• peer networking and support. 

Our programs range from 10 weeks to 9 months and create the space for in-depth learning and development. Our primary programs include the State Political Leaders Fellowship and the New Leaders Program

High-Impact and Hands-on Training
Our training approach draws on principles and best practices from popular and experiential education as well as adult learning methods. The central principles that guide our approach to training are:

• We work to transform both thinking and action - We use training and coaching sessions that are designed to push participants to fundamentally shift their understanding of progressive politics, advocacy, and organizing, as well as their own leadership.

• We develop a supportive, open, and challenging atmosphere - Supporting honest and open dialogue, we create a learning environment that is welcoming to everyone and promotes risk-taking and relationship-building.

• We actively use hands-on learning - CPL participants are challenged to think critically and learn by doing. All of our trainings include a mix of individual reflection, peer sharing, small group exercises, and large group activities. 

We encourage participants to directly connect with the material, draw on their own experiences, and immediately put new skills into practice. The goal of all CPL trainings is to encourage participants to expand the way they think about and practice their leadership.