The MLI: Next Gen Leadership Academy engages a cohort of 25-30 individuals through an intense training program that includes candid dialogue, challenging debate, and an analysis of the public arena. Moreover, participants will learn to create public change through pragmatic and centrist positioning in the world of power.

These sessions are conducted by MLI: Next Gen leadership and/or invited guest presenters. Presenters include select community, business and labor leaders, elected officials, analysts, authors and media representatives. Participants are expected to read a series of books and articles that are relevant to the program and to the topics at hand. All sessions are off-the-record and closed to the media.

These sessions are not a “how-to-be-a-leader” training, but rather, a primer for participants to reflect and take an introspective look at one’s instincts in the public power arena.

The Leadership Academy applies classic organizing concepts, analysis and strategies to engage and challenge participants. Through this training, participants are challenged about common perceptions of public leadership, the power arena, self-interest, relationships and the effect that each has on public policy and on communities. They are introduced to the “players” in the arena and dissect the interests that guide their particular positions, philosophies and actions. Participants come to have a firm grasp and understanding of how to affect public change and positively impact communities.

Further, they are challenged to appreciate the nuance and ambiguity of power as a civic leader. Participants are introduced to a common language that will be revisited throughout the program.