LEADERSHIP VICTORIA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
4 PILLARS OF THE CLDP PROGRAM
CLDP PROGRAM FAQ'S
WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS?
Many leadership programs teach the theory of leadership. We do something different.
We teach theory while providing an incubator to put your learning to the test. We challenge you to complete a real-life project that meets a significant need in our community. We connect you to local influencers who want to create a massive local difference. We share your success with the community and continue to connect you with our community long after graduation.
Click here to download our leadership development Model and Competencies.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FAST FACTS
Our graduates work with over 12,000 staff members in local organizations
69% of alumni have taken on more or significantly more responsibility for leading others since graduating
The combined annual budget of teams and organizations led by graduates is approximately $1.5 billion
Our graduates volunteer over 2,770 hours per month and over 33,000 hours per year
WHO IS THE IDEAL PROGRAM CANDIDATE?
This program is ideal for emerging leaders with a strong social responsibility wishing to lead and support others on community initiatives. Program participants come from a wide variety of industry and sectors, with varying education, experience and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Aspiring leaders seeking opportunities to put new leadership skills and experiences into action to support meaningful change in the Capital Regional District.
Established leaders wishing to apply their knowledge to a broader community. Participants with leadership experience find the opportunity to network, to work with local influencers and to see leadership from a different community context has been beneficial to them.
WHICH ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATE?
Socially responsible businesses who want to impact the world
Civil societies, Local community groups, and neighbourhood organizations
Private and public sector employers to enhance their aspiring managers
Educational institutions who provide career development for community-minded staff members
Organizations looking to deepen the community-connectedness of their employees
WHAT KIND OF BACKGROUND DO STUDENTS COME FROM?
Program participants include new, aspiring, and experienced leaders and managers from large organizations, government, academic institutions, new business entrepreneurs, and not-for-profit organizations.
Represented organizations include the Victoria Foundation, University of Victoria, Telus, The Cridge Centre, Boys and Girls Club of Victoria, BC Transit, Fernwood NRG, BC Ministry of Health, Cool Aid Society, District of Saanich, City of Victoria, Camosun College, Ministry of Education, and more!
HOW MANY PEOPLE TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAM?
In most years, enrollment is expected to be 25 leaders. The full cohort will meet on a regular basis over the course of the program for team building activities, facilitated learning, and other events.
Your cohort will be divided into Community Action Project teams, generally consisting of 5 people, who will work closely together to complete the Community Action Project.
WHO LEADS THE COMMUNITY LEARNING DAYS?
Each session during the Community Learning Days is led by a local Victoria influencer. Our coaches and facilitators are deeply engaged with students in individual and group work. Facilitators come from educational institutions, local public service organizations, private organizations, and include professional leadership facilitators.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE THEORY AND PRACTICAL LEARNING?
Leadership Victoria's flagship program is based on a blend of 70/20/10 - 70% experiential, 20% peer engagement, and 10% theory. Our training includes a blend of face-to-face workshops with online classrooms that are accessible 24/7. The program also includes a significant project component that enables you to put your learning into action. We combine exclusive content (online and in live workshops) with open public events so that you can deepen your connections to the leaders of Victoria.
WHAT IS THE ATTENDANCE POLICY?
This is a fast-paced course where your team members are counting on you and every other student to be fully present. We ask every leader to manage their time and take the process seriously.
We've created an intensive timeline that is designed to test your limits. However, it will still be manageable given your real-life responsibilities and you'll be surrounded by a local community that is truly passionate about creating the Victoria of the future.
We require leaders to commit to the demands of the course. Attendance at all events is expected. Where there is a conflict in your schedule, all program participants are expected to independently resolve those issues in order to be present for your team.
In a Covid-19 world, it is important students who feel ill should not attend in-person learning days, and are required to check in with peers to ensure they understand the material missed. LV is exploring ways to video document all learning events.
WHAT ARE COMMUNITY LEARNING DAYS?
The Community Learning Development Program unfolds in a series of day-long sessions called Community Learning Days (CLDs). During each CLD, you will focus on a particular aspect of the community in Victoria, as well as on the fundamental skills of community leadership. A variety of guest speakers and local leaders participate in the CLDs, voluntarily sharing their wealth of knowledge, insight, skills, and experience with learners. These activities reflect the diversity of our community.
During the CLDs, you will gain knowledge and build skills in support of the four pillars of community leadership, which you'll immediately put to work in your Community Action Project.
WHAT IS THE ONLINE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
Leading up to the start of the program, you will be given access to an online virtual classroom. This virtual classroom is your online gateway to resources, agendas, pre- and post-CLD assignments, group discussion forums, videos, webinars and online collaboration tools that will enrich your learning journey.
WHAT ARE THE COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS?
Leadership is much more than theory. Together we expand your learning journey by putting new skills into action. Learners are organized into teams, matched with a team coach and work together on a Community Action Project (CAP) which serves as a learning lab for leadership development and delivers a direct benefit to the community. Teams work with our key community partner and other organizations or agencies to resolve real-life challenges that will have a present-day impact and deliver future benefits to our partner and our community.
HOW IS THE FOCUS FOR COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS DETERMINED?
Our CAP projects are determined by real needs identified by our annual partners and through the "Vital Signs" report card developed by the Victoria Foundation. Each team will be provided with a Community Action Project that will match a real need in our community.
In 2021-2022, CAP projects will focus on a Theme of "World Changing" and support local organizations to develop meaningful strategies to overcome challenges highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE TEAM MEET FOR THE COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECT?
Community Action Project teams and their team coaches will meet weekly throughout the program, on a schedule set up by each team at a mutually convenient time. Teams may meet face-to-face as well as online through a collaboration tool.
WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP APPROACH?
We believe in a collaborative leadership approach where influence is measured by service over a title. You can read more about our leadership approach on our blog.
WHAT INFORMATION CAN I GIVE MY EMPLOYER?
Leadership Victoria has a long-standing relationship with several employers around Greater Victoria. If you are interested in participating, with financial support from your employer, please speak to your HR department. Many participants find their employer is willing to fund all or part of the cost of the program. Leadership Victoria staff are happy to discuss the benefits of the program with your employer.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
We make it easy to start your leadership journey. Apply Here
Complete your initial application. After a review by the program team, you will have a short interview with the Program Manager to review the program and ensure you are a good fit for the program. If you are selected, you will then complete your full registration package including payment of tuition to secure your seat.
HOW ARE APPLICANTS SELECTED?
We consider all applications and build a cohort that represents the diversity of Greater Victoria. When we assess our participants, we look for people who:
Demonstrate leadership potential and a desire to learn.
Have a strong desire to engage in the community.
Have a connection to Greater Victoria.
Are actively committed to the team and will go above and beyond the program requirements.
WHAT IS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE FULL REGISTRATION PACKAGE?
Once you have received notification of your acceptance into the program, you will be required to complete your registration with additional information including:
A completed registration survey.
A signed contract and personal commitment to learning.
Tuition is payable upon your acceptance into the program (tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable after September 1).
IS IT WORTH IT?
Leadership Victoria is a sprint; a short program with challenging community projects. The intensity of the program means that Leadership Victoria is not for everyone. The program is a network for leaders that want to reach the next level of local influence and gain momentum to run with local leaders.
The program is not for everyone; it is for leaders.
HOW DOES THE CLDP SUPPORT LOCAL LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS?
Creating self-aware leaders who understand their strengths and tendencies to build effective teams and working groups
Uncovering leaders who can build a shared vision and alignment of teams with diverse skills and experiences
Developing effective leaders to overcome the complex challenges that communities face
Creating resilient leaders able to plan and complete meaningful projects with community impact
Developing leaders able to manage meaningful change in our community
Developing leaders who compel others to action and see projects through to completion
Building a network of like-minded community influencers to support collaboration and community action
FINANCIAL FAQ'S
WHAT IS THE TUITION COST?
The tuition cost for 2021-2022 is $3900. Tuition is due in order to complete registration and secure your seat in the program.
IS THERE AN EARLY-BIRD OPTION?
There is no early bird option in 2021-2022.
IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN?
Yes, tuition can be paid in instalments. All instalment arrangement must be approved by the Program Manager. The full tuition cost is due before September 1. If you require instalments to be made after September 1, a $150 fee will apply.
ARE BURSARIES AVAILABLE?
Yes. Bursaries are available to those who show a desire to participate with the need for financial assistance.
Bursaries are provided by local partners who support local not-for-profit leaders to participate in the program. Bursaries can be the full tuition cost or a portion of the tuition based on the needs of the applicant.
The bursary selection process will assess the charitable status of an organization, the financial need of the organization or individual, the history of involvement with Leadership Victoria, the suitability of the candidate and the wishes of the bursary funder.
Bursary applications must be received by August 1st 2021. To receive a bursary application, please fill in a program application, and mark "I need a bursary" when asked how you will be paying the tuition.
Please contact the Program Manager to inquire about bursaries.
Bursary recipients are required to meet the expectations outlined in the bursary application. Receiving a bursary is contingent on completion of the program. Recipients who do not complete the program will be required to pay Leadership Victoria the amount of the bursary provided.
Employers can find out more on Work BC funding here.
WHAT INFORMATION CAN I GIVE MY EMPLOYER?
Leadership Victoria has a long-standing relationship with several employers around Greater Victoria. If you are interested in participating, with financial support from your employer, please speak to your HR department. Many participants find their employer is willing to fund all or part of the cost of the program. Leadership Victoria staff are happy to discuss the benefits of the program with your employer.