Leadership Institute
Leadership Institute
San Diego Leadership Alliance Institute Quick Facts
What is the SDLA Institute?
- The San Diego Leadership Alliance (SDLA) is a local nonprofit dedicated to building progressive leadership in San Diego.
- The SDLA’s flagship program is the SDLA Institute, a six-month intensive skills and relationship building program for progressive young professionals.
- The SDLA Institute includes the following elements:
- Personal leadership development
- Skill building in multiple areas, including policy analysis, political management, messaging, and strategic communications
- Training on fundraising for politics and nonprofits
- Application of fundraising skills via organizing a fellows’ fundraiser
- Spotlight speaker visits from local elected officials and prominent progressive leaders
- Networking events with the Institute class, the SDLA board, and the larger SDLA network
Who should apply for the SDLA Institute?
- The SDLA Institute is for progressive young professionals and emerging leaders.
- Institute Fellows have a demonstrated capacity to take risks and make meaningful change in the world around them.
- The SDLA Institute is not just for political professionals, but also for those in business, law, education, defense, and the non-profit and philanthropic sectors.
- Applicants should review the Institute schedule prior to applying, as all Fellows are expected to be present for the entirety of each Institute session.
How do I apply for the next SDLA Institute?
- Application opens September 3, 2024. To apply click here.
- DEADLINE: Applications are due by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
- Applicants must be members of the SDLA ($30) to apply, and there is a $200 deposit to participate. The $200 deposit is returned to Fellows after they complete the Institute.
How do I learn more about SDLA
Visit our website at https://www.sdleadership.org/sdla-institute for the following information:
- Details on optional info-sessions for prospective applicants.
- Read about past Fellows, and past Institute programs.
- Sign up for the SDLA email distribution list.
- Please contact sdlaselections@gmail.com if you have any additional questions!
How else can I help out the SDLA’s mission?
Who runs the SDLA?
- The SDLA is a nonprofit, run by local volunteers.
- The San Diego Leadership Alliance is managed by two co-presidents, Amanda Berry and Zic Zinter, as well as about 14 other board members.
2025 Institute Dates
SESSIONS 1 & 2
Saturday & Sunday
January 11 & 12
Happy Hour to follow with Fellows only
SESSION 3
Saturday
January 25
SESSION 4
Saturday
February 8
SESSION 5
Saturday
February 22
SESSION 6
Saturday
March 15
SESSION 7
Saturday
March 22
SESSION 8
Saturday
April 12
SESSION 9
Saturday
April 26
FELLOWS FUNDRAISER
Mid-May 2025
SESSIONS 10
Saturday
May 17
GRADUATION
Saturday
June 7
*All sessions run from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (except Graduation which is usually scheduled for the afternoon).