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?
- If not already, become a member of SDLA on our membership page
- There is a $30 fee to apply, and a $200 deposit to participate. Deposits are returned to participants after completing the Institute.
- Applications open early to mid-September each year and close by mid- November.
- Applicants may be invited to interview in December.
How do I learn more about SDLA
We invite you to join our mailing list, follow us on social media, and visit our About page
- Explore SDLA’s mission and progressive values
- Connect with our Executive Committee and Committee Chairs
2023 Institute Dates
SESSIONS 1 & 2
Saturday & Sunday
January 28 & 29
Happy Hour to follow with Fellows only
SESSION 3
Saturday
February 11
SESSION 4
Saturday
February 25
SESSION 5
Saturday
March 11
SESSION 6
Saturday
March 25
SESSION 7
Saturday
April 15
SESSION 8
Saturday
April 29
SESSION 9
Saturday
May 6
FELLOWS FUNDRAISER
Mid-May 2022
SESSIONS 10 & 11
Saturday & Sunday
May 20 & 21
GRADUATION
Saturday
June 3
*All sessions run from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (except Session 8, which may start earlier, and Graduation, which is usually scheduled for the afternoon).