Submit an application for the American Leadership Forum, Rocky Mountain Chapter today!
The dynamic of leadership is changing. In our rapidly growing and diversifying region, leaders must be boundary crossers committed to the public good. Issues and problems no longer stop at the city or county lines; they require leaders who understand how to collaborate and create partnerships within the region. American Leadership Forum gives prominent community leaders an opportunity to build trust and relationships with others from throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
Each year the Institute selects up to twenty-five ethnically, geographically and professionally diverse candidates to participate in a eight-month program. Those selected, called Fellows, come from the public, private and non-profit sectors as well as grassroots action and diversity groups. Those selected to become ALF Fellows share many characteristics:
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Possess stature as established leaders in their chosen field of endeavor or service |
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Demonstrate commitment to service in their community |
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Interested in becoming part of a regional network that is committed to serving the public good |
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Recognize the importance of practicing collaborative leadership across boundaries |
The program consists of five sessions between September and May of each year. Each session addresses a different facet of leadership and takes place in a different part of the region. These sessions follow the Institute's inside-first framework and lead toward community initiatives as participant projects.
| Session I | Orientation, Team-Building and Wilderness Experience Date: September 13-17, 2005  This session focuses on the melding of class V members
into a team. Experiences that emphasize trust building and problem solving, such as a
challenge course, rock climbing, an orienteering challenge, and a two-day river
raft “journey” and rescue scenario on the Colorado River provide the setting for team
development. An overnight solo encourages personal reflection and introspection.
Begins on the Spring Valley campus of Colorado Mountain College (CMC).
Faculty: Johann Aberger (Director of Teambuilding and Climbing Programs, CMC Outdoor Leadership Program) |
| Session II | Leadership in Contemplation Date: November 9-11, 2005 Leadership in Contemplation explores the inner path of the leader
in focusing on social change, spirituality and the philosophy of servant leadership.
Discussions focus on the moral dimensions of leadership and the major philosophical issues
leaders face making ethical decisions in a community environment. ALF Fellows will
discuss the inter-relatedness of leadership, citizenship, community and democracy.
Self-assessment instruments will be utilized.
Faculty: Buck Elliott & Associates (Paragon Guides), Dan Peterson (Founder, Edges Learning Community & Sage Canyon Project) |
| Session III | Crossing Boundaries Date: January 10-13, 2006 The Crossing Boundaries Experience focuses on shifting the
way we look at the world. In accordance with ALF cornerstone #4, “Exploring the inter-connectedness
of communities, nations and the world,” Fellows engage in understanding the perspectives
of other cultures. Facilitators introduce concepts of social change, intercultural communities,
cultural competence and keys to working in diverse environments.
Faculty: Juana Bordas (Mestiza Leadership Institute, Denver), Roberto Chene (Southwest Center for Intercultural Leadership, Albuquerque), Facilitators on Regional Issues |
| Session IV | Conflict Transformation Date: April 5-7, 2005 Conflict Transformation is an intensive leadership skill-building session.
Skills in dialogue, conflict transformation (facilitation, mediation, negotiation), visioning,
consensus building and collaborative problem solving will be covered. This session provides
an opportunity for ALF Fellows to test their skills in facilitating dialogue on and coming to
consensus about a civic engagement initiative.
Faculty: Merle Lefkoff (Ars Publica, International Negotiator, Santa Fe) |
| Session V | Leadership in Action Date: May 17-19, 2005 Leadership in Action covers collaborative leadership in depth. ALF
Fellows are offered advice and assistance on their Leadership in Action civic engagement initiative.
Insights into other regional collaborative initiatives are provided, along with lessons learned
from some of those endeavors.
Faculty: David Chrislip (Principal, Skilful Means) |
| Tuition | The cost to deliver the program is $6995.00. Each participant is asked to make a personal commitment of $695.00. Participants are encouraged to obtain sponsors from their communities. Matching scholarships will be available. |
| Lodging & Meals | Class members are responsible for their lodging and meals, and transportation to the Session site. Vail Leadership Institute endeavors to find lodging and meal providers at the best price for class members and appropriate to the program content and objectives. |
| Session Sites | Session Sites are chosen for their conduciveness to learning. |
Faculty may be changed without notice depending upon schedules and availability. The standards to which we hold the Fellows Program will not be compromised under any circumstances.