NLC Institute 2011: Life Entrepreneurship Program

The New Leaders Council of San Diego (NLC) held its first 2011 Institute session on the weekend of January 22nd and 23rd, 2011.

The new fellowship class was introduced to the “Life Entrepreneurship Program” (ELP) and spent 2 days investigating their strengths, values, and purposes. Afterwards, each fellow created their own core “mission statement” for their life and begin the process of putting together their own Entrepreneurial Life Plan.

Before moving into in depth skills training in future sessions, fellows examine what’s actually important to them, to explore and reinforce their commitment to progressive values. The ELP also serves an important function in leadership development, which is a primary goal of the NLC. The ELP is a mechanism for individuals to take concrete planning steps to advance their own careers, so that they can be in positions of influence to make change in their communities.

The ELP program is developed by New Mountain Ventures, and is based on the book “Life Entrepreneurs.” This weekend’s training was facilitated by Luke Klipp, a fomer co-director of the NLC in San Francisco and Debi Spindelman, a 2010 NLC San Diego graduate.

Like last year, State Senator Christine Kehoe welcomed the fellows and led an in-depth discussion about what it actually means to build a progressive infrastructure in San Diego – how we need qualified, passionate qualified candidates not just running for elected office, but serving on boards and commissions and in leadership positions in important local non-profits.

Newly elected City Councilmember David Alvarez also led a discussion about his recent campaign – speaking frankly with the fellows about the challenges of fundraising and distinguishing himself while determined to stay true to his goal of running a vigorous and authentic campaign.

The first weekend training was hosted by Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest.