Ohio Update

A message from Ohio State Director, Gavin Leonard

10.29.08

CPL Ohio's Political Leaders Fellowshipapplications are rolling in, and we're excited to see people from across the state starting the process.If you haven't already, there's no time like the present to APPLY or NOMINATE a great leader for this opportunity.

I want to take this chance to dispel a few myths about the PLF, and make sure you know a bit more about what we're looking for:

Myth #1 - The PLF is only for young people.In fact, the average age of past participants for the program in CPL states (MI, PA, AZ, and CO) has been 36. We expect there will be people from their 20s to their 60s, with a lot of "mid-career" professionals from across the state in attendance when we start in March 2009. A lot of people think leadership development and think youth, but that is far from the case. We all have ways we can learn and grow, and CPL has done serious research and development to enhance adult learning. If anything, it's going to be much harder for young people to get in the program, because we expect most participants to have at least 4 years and, in many cases, 10, 15, or more years experience doing social justice and progressive work. Read more HEREabout who should apply.

Myth #2 - The PLF is only for politicians, or people who want to be politicians. While it's true that people who are in office or who are thinking about running have found our 9-month program for working adults to be exactly what they need, this is far from the only group we expect to benefit from our fundraising, visionary leadership, collaborative leadership and other program focal points. Union members and non-profit managers, community organizers and statewide advocates will all be able to expand their networks and participate in important progressive dialogue. If you thought the PLF was only for politicians, maybe now is the time to NOMINATEa leader.

Myth #3 - I can't be in the PLF because it costs too much.I tell everyone that if someone says they can't be in the program because they can't afford the $900 fee, they are lying. If cost is your only inhibitor, that is not a roadblock. We have scholarships available, and will work with each person on a case-by-case basis. The program costs CPL $5,000 per participant, so its a heck of deal. Plus, we feel strongly that progressives need to prioritize leadership development opportunities for themselves and their staff members. And finally, paying for the program shows that people take the commitment seriously (raise your hand if you go to the gym once a week just so you don't waste your membership fee completely). APPLY now if your excuse was that you couldn't afford it, and we'll 1) make sure you understand $900 is a great value, and 2) make it work.

Here is more info on the Political Leaders Fellowship, and as always, please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. We would love to have a 1-on-1 conversation with you about whether or not this program would work for you or someone at your organization. Applications are due January 15th, but get started today to beat the year end rush.

I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday.

All the best,

Read previous updates:

10/29/08

08/25/08
04/23/08
06/11/08