Q: How do I know if this course is right for me?
A: The course is designed to benefit anyone who is serious about improving their knowledge, skills, and capacity for leadership and addressing Western conservation challenges. As humans, we are constantly using our emotional intelligence, knowingly or unknowingly. As instructors, we aim to deliver core principles, knowledge, and skills. We will strive to meet the specific learning needs of each person in the room to maximize the effectiveness of this course. Still unsure? You can contact Course Coordinator, Charlie Sperry, to find out more (see below for contact information).
Q: How does this course pertain to western conservation?
A: The value of growing our emotional intelligence and leadership capacity isn’t unique to conservation or a certain location. What is unique is the Western Conservation Leadership Development Program’s commitment to providing courses that are informed by and grounded in the conservation issues we commonly face in the American/Canadian West. We do this through experiential learning and using “real-world” case studies to ground our teachings.
Q: Does the program offer scholarships to those with financial needs?
A: WCLDP is primarily a tuition-funded program, and we strive to keep course costs as affordable as possible. If the cost of tuition is a barrier to your participation, we invite you to reach out to the course coordinator, Charlie Sperry, to discuss options (see below for contact information).
Q: I am a graduate of Fundamentals of Western Conservation Leadership: Through the Looking Glass. Is there a connection between that course and the Resilient Leadership course?
A: Resilient Leadership is being piloted as a new, stand-alone course. Instructors are familiar with adaptive leadership and systems thinking principles and will strive to call attention to those principles during the course. Resilient Leadership is not a continuation of Through the Looking Glass. You are, however, encouraged to practice your adaptive leadership systems thinking, and collaboration skills during the course and use your time with the other participants to talk about your leadership challenges and progress. Alumni are encouraged to attend and reconnect to build relationships and community that expands beyond any one course.
Q: Will there be other people besides program alumni in the room?
A: We hope so! Just like Fundamentals of Western Conservation Leadership: Through the Looking Glass course, the diversity of the participants will contribute to the richness of the Resilient Leadership course. WCLDP alumni are encouraged to register – consider this an opportunity to get reacquainted with members of your cohort and a chance to meet interesting conservation professionals from around the American/Canadian West who share your purpose and are on a similar learning path to advance their leadership practice.
Q: Will there be free time to do other things during this course?
A: We believe that movement, the outdoors, laughter, and time for self-reflection are all important to the learning process. The hotel is conveniently located next to a walking trail for those looking to get some exercise or time to reflect. There are a variety of restaurants near the hotel, and we’ll organize optional group outings for those interested. We can also help you arrange small group gatherings at the end of each day. Westminster is near Boulder, Colorado and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities exist for those interested in extending their trip.
