-- by Dr. Daniel E. Loeb
The Philadelphia Jewish Voice's Networking Central column features different groups which make a difference in our community.
This year, I have been fortunate enough to participate in the Center for Progressive Leadership's 2011 Pennsylvania Political Leaders Fellowship program. Over the coming months, I hope to share some of the lessons that I have learned, but first I would like to give you an opportunity to learn about CPL.
The Pennsylvania Political Leaders Fellowship is a nine-month, part-time leadership development program for a select group of organizational leaders, future candidates, community organizers, and progressive activists from across the state.
The CPL Fellowship Class of 2011
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Each fellow has his or her own unique experience, background, passion and vision, and I appreciate the chance to get to know them and learn from them. Some want to help protect the environment, others want to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, or mentor disadvantaged youths in their community, or strength public schools, etc. CPL does not tell people what kind of progressive change to be passionate about, but it help people get it touch with their own values, hone their message and learn the political skills necessary to bring about change.
The Center for Progressive Leadership is building local, state-based leadership institutes across the country to develop diverse progressive leaders that are the networks for progressive change. Through long-term investments in targeted recruitment, training, and mentorship, CPL is building the foundation for that change with thousands of new future candidates, political staff, and organizers taking leadership roles in their communities.
My training has taken me to Philadelphia, Reading, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. I have been forced to identify the values I stand for, relate those values to the progressive change I seek, and use effective messaging techniques to advance my values.
We are also learning fundraising skills, and I would like to pay back CPL for all I have learned by urging you to support the Center for Progressive Leadership.
Help CPL keep the program affordable to people who have a vision for change but lack the resources to make that vision a reality. CPL charges fellows a nominal $1,050 tuition for the nine-month, and even that is reduced via scholarships where appropriate. However, tuition only represents a small part of training costs, individual and group coaching, food and facilities.
CPL is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and counts on charitable contributions to make up the difference.
For our final weekend with CPL, we are organizing a fundraiser
- Saturday, September 24, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
- Ethical Society, 1906 South Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
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 Keynote speaker: Former Lt.-Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D-MD)
The best part? Every donation will be matched dollar for dollar by a national donor.
You can reserve your spot at the fundraiser and/or donate online.
Donation Levels
- $50 Suggested minimum donation.
- $250. Progressive Political Leaders. Acknowledgement in program.
- $500. Policy Change Agent. Invitation to exclusive pre-event. Host committee membership.
- $1000. Systematic Change Agent. Prominent acknowledgement in program.
Contact me at publisher@pjvoice.com if you have any questions or want to learn more about my experience at CPL.
More after the jump. |
 CPL works in regions and communities across the country that have a potential for a surge in progressive leadership; they currently have state offices in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Colorado, Ohio and they just started their program in Wisconsin.
From high school and college students to community organizers, nonprofit leaders, and future candidates, CPL's local strategy builds from the ground up in order to recruit, identify and train the most promising leaders in the country.
CPL Pennsylvania is dedicated to developing our state's next generation of progressive political leaders. As CPL's flagship state, Pennsylvania has become a model for effectively recruiting and developing emerging political leaders over the long term.
Since launching their Pennsylvania program in 2004, CPL has trained over 600 emerging Pennsylvania political activists, organization leaders, and future candidates from every corner of the state. CPL Pennsylvania continues to expand its palate of statewide and localized political leadership development programs all aimed at providing individuals with the skills, resources, and relationships needed to become effective political leaders.
A Comprehensive Experience
With the help of national experts, guest trainers and state-wide leaders, CPL Fellows receive the skills and networks they need to be powerful advocates for progressive change in their communities, including progressive vision & values, fundraising, grassroots power & campaign planning, and communications & messaging.
The Center for Progressive Leadership is committed to building leadership that embodies the full diversity of Pennsylvania's communities. Fellows come from a wide array of backgrounds and communities, as well as from all over the state.
How you can get involved
- Contribute: Donate online.
- CPL does not yet have a program in my area. CPL hopes to develop and grow across the country. Contact CPL at outreach@progressleaders.org and help organize your community.
- Do you know someone who could benefit from CPL training? Please apply or nominate a friend or colleague to the Pennsylvania Political Training Program.
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