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The Institute for Leadership

Founded in El Paso, Texas by Past Rotary International Vice President Irving "Sonny" Brown, the Institute offers a curriculum that benefits participants, Rotary Clubs, and Rotary ideals. AG Maureen and Past District Governor Mike Merrill are graduates of the program, having participated in the October El Paso session.

"There is no leader who
doesn't want to be a better leader."

--Past R.I. Vice President Sonny Brown

What is the Institute for Leadership?

The IFL is a highly interactive workshop that focuses on the qualities and traits of leadership and leaders. This is a "being a leader" event that provides experiences that assist participants in identifying their leadership qualities while providing an insight into important values shared in Rotary that benefit the individual's Rotary, community, professional, and personal lives.

The Institute for Leadership addresses individual capabilities, the nature of leadership, leadership interaction, and a number of other critical issues important to Rotarians as well as all leaders.

Who are the IFL Trainers?

The IFL Trainers are Rotary Club member volunteers who are professionals in the field of leadership development, workshops and facilitation, or who have extensive related experience. The typical Institute is delivered by approximately six team members, with each having special areas of expertise.

How is the IFL different from other Rotary training?

Most other Rotary training is offered only to committee chairs, officers and directors of clubs at some level with the curriculum based upon Rotary information, structure and management. The Institute program is offered to all Rotarians and selected community members who have a desire to become more effective leaders at any level and in all parts of their lives. Additionally, the leaders are professional trainers or consultants experienced in workshop facilitation and leadership development.

What is the length of the Institute?

The Institute is a full two day program, requiring the participant to attend the entire two days. It is normally conducted on Friday and Saturday, beginning each morning at 8:00 AM with the Friday sessions concluding after dinner and Saturday sessions wrapping up at approximately 4:30 PM.

Who may register for the Institute for Leadership?

The IFL is offered to Rotarians who have a sincere desire to understand the Rotary values of leadership and how their own values, qualities, and capabilities make them more effective leaders. It is also open to other organizations as a service to the community; sessions often include two or three non-Rotarian leaders of other not-for-profit organizations.

District 5130's pilot Leadership Academy in March 2008 will include Assistant Governors and other Rotarians who are, or wish to be, active in club leadership. In future sessions, participants need not be involved in district leadership, but should be interested in club leadership and in advancing their own contributions to club success. Sessions are limited to 22 participants.

More information is available at www.instituteforleadership.info, or contact Senior Assistant Governor Maureen Merrill, maureen@harrismerrill.com, 707.544.7286.