MRPA Leadership Academy

Application Form
Brochure

Leadership skills are essential to advance both personally and professionally. Emerging leaders must seek out opportunities to learn, explore, and take risks. Emerging leaders challenge themselves first, before challenging others – all for the betterment of the organizations and people they serve.

MRPA is committed to preparing professionals with the leadership skills needed to advance both personally and professionally. Our goal is to train leaders in our profession to excel during both positive and challenging times. As our current parks and recreation leaders retire, succession planning will become a key element to an organization’s success. MRPA is committed to preparing our growing leaders for these upcoming opportunities.

The program is designed for parks and recreation professionals with at least five years of experience. The class size will be limited to 24 participants to maximize learning and interaction. The MRPA Leadership Academy will be led by facilitator Cheryl Alexander. Guest presenters will infuse new thought-provoking ideas into the curriculum by sharing their experiences related to the day’s topic.

Individual and peer coaching will also assist participants in self discovery and exploration. Additionally, each class becomes a professional support network for the participants throughout their careers. The Leadership Academy will challenge emerging leaders with thought-provoking questions now so they have the intellectual, emotional, and leadership skills ready when faced with day-to-day occurrences. Get ready to be challenged. Get ready for a life-changing experience.

Leadership Academy’s Daily Schedule
The MRPA Leadership Academy’s curriculum dates run one day per month for six months. The program also includes an orientation and celebration. The six curriculum days’ schedules include:

• Facilitator-led instruction
• Presentations by parks and recreation professionals
• Presentations by invited guests experienced with the days’ theme
• Peer coaching
• Experiential and active learning

Cost
The MRPA Leadership Academy cost is $980 for MRPA members, and $1,250 for non-members by the early bird registration date of August 5; $1,080 for MRPA members and $1,350 for non-members thereafter. The fee may be paid in two installments -- the first payment is due September 9, 2008, with the second payment due January 1, 2009.

How to Apply – Early Bird Registration is by August 5
Registration Deadline is September 9
Interested participants may obtain a MRPA Leadership Academy application by downloading the form at the link above, or by calling 763.571.1305 x100. The MRPA Leadership Academy will be limited to 24 participants per class. A selection process has been established based on the applicant’s personal statement and resume. We strongly encourage early registrations.