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Social Action: Taking Your Learning Home

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Gandhi

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity and complexity of the many challenges facing the world today. To 'be the change we wish to see in the world', we must start with ourselves, by questioning our assumptions, expanding our knowledge and changing our behavior. Leadership Institute courses can help you rise to all of these challenges, by creating a learning environment that encourages exploration, discussion and personal growth. But what happens after you leave the classroom? How will you respond to the needs of your neighbors, your community and the world?

The Action Plan is an opportunity for you to create a project that helps you put your learning to work. During the last week of your course, your instructors and peers will help you develop a plan that applies your new knowledge and leadership skills to a problem or issue in your community. You will have the chance to reflect on what you've learned and delve deeper into the topics that you find compelling. Finally, you will present your action plan to your peers and family at the closing program on the last day of the course.

(see below for examples of Action Plans)

Symposium -Veterans Day Weekend in November

In the fall we ask you to stay in touch with us regarding your frustrations, challenges and progress with your action plan.

We give you an opportunity to file a progress report in mid-September and apply to participate in our annual Symposium on Social Action. Students from all classes and from every geographical area return to campus for an exciting weekend of workshops, lectures and consultations. The symposium will connect you with other students and activists in your field, help you explore new leadership skills and give you an opportunity to reflect on what you’ve learned through your project.

Award for Social Action

Students have the opportunity to submit a final progress report in January. Those who have committed a significant effort to their work will be given the Award for Social Action by the Institute. "Success" isn't so much about the completion of goals as it is about your commitment to process and progress, effort expended and flexibility in adapting goals to meet the needs of the community.