About the American Express Leadership Academy's Converge Academy

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LeaderStories, together with American Express and the Center for Creative Leadership, will convene a unique Leadership Academy for social justice leaders.

The American Express Leadership Academy’s Converge Academy 2021 will be held in New York, New York in November 2021. It will provide state-of-the-art leadership development to 24 “for purpose” social justice leaders who will be selected by a panel of judges through an open call for nominations via LeaderStories.org. The goal of the Academy is to develop US social justice leaders in the nonprofit community who understand how:

  • Their personality and behavior influences their leadership style and effectiveness, and
  • Their own and others' preferred style of managing change enhances collaboration and builds organizational synergy to apply critical business skills important to the success of their organizations and to building a more equitable nation and world.

Participants will also develop a network of other leaders with whom they can share ideas and experiences and establish a set of realistic, measurable goals along with a plan of action to accomplish these goals.

Who Can Apply

The call is open to anyone in the social purpose sector who is in some level of leadership/management with a nonprofit or social enterprise organization in the United States, has a desire to stay in the sector and take on increasing leadership roles, and is committed to continuing to advance, learn and inspire others.

We define social justice organizations broadly: a nonprofit that stands for and supports equal rights for all that is dedicated to reversing inequities in communities; changing systems; providing opportunities for all to be heard; and fostering an environment built on diverse voices. This includes racial equity, health equity, gender equity, among other areas. We are especially interested in engaging Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)-led organizations.

In order to receive the scholarship, participants must read and certify that they meet the full criteria outlined in the Rules & Terms of Participation. This includes committing to full participation and attendance in the November 7-11 Academy and in the four virtual sessions leading up to it, to be held:  Wednesday, July 14, August 18, September 22, and October 13, 2021.  

What’s Included

Participants will receive three and a half days of training, all materials, and accommodations in New York, NY.   During the training, breakfasts and lunches will be provided, and all but one dinner will be provided. A boxed lunch will be provided before participants travel home at approximately 1:00 PM Eastern time on the final day of the Academy.

Please note: We will require masks and social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines at the time of the event.  

What’s Not Included

Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from New York, and for one dinner on their own. 

We strongly encourage participants’ organizations to cover these costs.   

What’s Required

Applicants must complete and submit the full nomination form by the deadline, and truthfully certify that they work in the US nonprofit sector as an employee or consultant.

In addition to covering travel costs to and from the Academy, participants are required to engaged in a series of four virtual trainings and complete the Benchmarks for Managers, a 360-degree assessment instrument which solicits data from specific rater groups including managers, peers, and direct reports, offering participants feedback on their leadership skills in relation to 16 leadership competencies.  Additional assessments will also be required.

In order to receive the scholarship, participants must read and certify that they meet the full criteria outlined in the Rules & Terms of Participation. This includes committing to full participation and attendance in the November 7-11 Academy and in the four virtual sessions leading up to it, to be held:  Wednesday, July 14, August 18, September 22, and October 13, 2021.  

 

Full Rules & Terms of Participation.

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