Who is GEL for?

Membership is open to high-impact community leaders from around our Central Coast region – from nonprofits, philanthropy, healthcare, education, government, the private sector, and changemakers in other community leadership roles. Each GEL member will be placed in a diverse, cross-sector group, where they will bring their unique experiences and expertise to benefit all the members.

Who knows more about growing leaders than Leading From Within?

Commitment & Fees

What is the timing and cost of the new program?

The first GEL groups will begin meeting in September 2024. The membership fee for GEL participation is $800 per month (discounted to $9,000 per year if paid in full in advance of the first session). Registrants must commit to full participation for a minimum of 12 months, and they can renew their membership in future years if they choose.

As a GEL applicant, you and your agency are responsible for the annual GEL membership fee. If you and your organization need additional support to make that commitment, here are two possible approaches.

Funder/Donor Support – Many GEL participants will supplement what their organization can pay with financial support from an outside funder/donor. You can invite interested funders to learn more about GEL on our website and by attending an Information Session.

Scholarships – LFW expects to have a limited amount of scholarship funds available to help a diverse group of leaders and leaders from small budget organizations to participate in GEL. You are welcome to apply for an LFW scholarship, understanding that funds are limited and it is quite possible you will not receive one.

Start the process

GEL applications are due June 26 for our 2024-25 groups

Growing Edge Leaders Application and Commitment Form

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GEL Application and Commitment Form

Welcome! Please answer the following questions thoroughly, so we can get to know you and how GEL participation may serve you. NOTE: Once you begin this form, you may 'Save and Continue Later' or plan accordingly to complete in one sitting. Your responses are confidential to LFW.

Name*

First Last

Preferred Email

1. Please share your LinkedIn Profile:*

Upload your CV/Resumé here:

Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.

2. Tell us about your current role, title and key responsibilities, and the primary venue (organization, collaborative, institution, etc.) where they take place.

3. List here community leadership roles (volunteer, boards/commissions, collaboratives, civic service, etc) where you contribute in an engaged role.

4. What is your vision for your own leadership in the next 3 years? What do you hope to achieve and contribute through your work for your organization, sector and/or community?

5. Briefly describe 1 or 2 current challenges you face in your leadership role/s that you hope would benefit from your GEL involvement?

6. How else might you hope to gain from your participation in GEL? How would you describe your “growing edge?” (Your growing edge includes areas where you are being called to stretch the margins of your own capacities/capabilities.)

7. Engaged commitment of GEL members is essential for GEL membership (especially through consistent participation in monthly day-long forums and coaching sessions). What do you imagine could get in the way of you fully engaging in GEL? What might you do to ensure your participation?

If selected, I am committed to the following during my GEL membership (at least 12 months):*

Engaged participation, and a willingness to share my experiences, resources, and expertise with my fellow GEL group members

Attendance at monthly all-day forums

Readiness and willingness to be coached

My organization’s support of my involvement, including my being out of the office for a full day each month