By setting this regional model within a national framework, ELP invests in developing a vibrant community of environmental leaders within a given region, while at the same time joining members of the ELP community and the public in national conversation, debate and collaborative activities.

The Environmental Leadership Program currently operates four regional networks in the Delaware Valley (NJ, NY, PA, and DE), New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT), Mid-Atlantic (DC, MD and VA), and the Southeast (AL, GA, FL, NC, SC, and central and eastern TN). ELP plans to extend its regional network model across the country over the next 5-10 years.

ELP selects 15-25 exceptional emerging environmental leaders annually to participate in each regional fellowship program. ELP defines "emerging leaders" as practitioners who are relatively new to the environmental and social change fields with approximately three to ten years of experience. We define "environmental" broadly. ELP fellows work on everything from green business ventures, urban air quality, and land conservation to public policy, public health, and transportation-- and everything in-between. ELP fellows work throughout different sectors, in nonprofits, businesses, academia, media, and philanthropy, as well as federal, state, local and tribal government. Wherever they work, ELP fellows are passionate leaders for a just and sustainable future.

RETREATS

ELP fellows participate in three two-to-three day overnight retreats during the year-long fellowship program. Through hands-on training, community-building activities, and participatory group discussions, fellows learn the practical skills of public leadership, develop a strong peer network, and explore ways to achieve lifelong personal and professional goals. ELP retreats offer an array of training opportunities on topics including communications, fundraising, organizational development, and conflict resolution. Fellows also participate in discussions on the role of all types of diversity in the environmental movement; the current state and future of the environmental field; and the complexities of building diverse coalitions. In addition, fellows engage in peer-learning sessions on current environmental issues, discussions with established environmental leaders, and conversations about leadership. Retreats offer a structured opportunity for personal reflection and are a critical component to helping fellows form a collaborative and supportive peer network.

ACTIVITY FUND

Fellows are given the opportunity to request a grant from the ELP Activity Fund which provides up to $10,000 per project to support leadership-building activities through individual and collaborative projects. Grants typically average around $5000. Fellows are encouraged to pursue activities that enhance their public leadership skills, reach diverse constituencies, build community, and strive for tangible environmental outcomes. The Activity Fund offers fellows the opportunity to collaborate with others within the ELP community to expand their work beyond their specific area of expertise. In addition to funding fellows' Activity Fund projects, ELP provides access to professional support services, such as consultation on writing, media, technical, legal, and financial issues. Learn more about the ELP Activity Fund .

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP

Following the successful completion of the year long program, fellows graduate to ELP's Senior Fellowship Community. To date, the ELP Senior Fellowship Community is made up of nearly 300 leaders from across the country. ELP provides its Senior Fellowship community with additional training and networking opportunities as well as speaking opportunities to at various ELP sponsored forums and conferences, including ELP's 2008 Food Tour and Politics of Food Conference.

TESTIMONIALS

"I am consistently amazed and inspired by my peer fellows - spending time with them energizes me in a way I didn't think possible"


"ELP is providing me with the skills I need to be a more effective leader and the space I need to practice those skills"

"ELP presents fellows the opportunity to exchange views with a wide range of colleagues on a variety subjects to broaden their understanding of different perspectives."

"ELP provides me with a diverse community of colleagues with whom I can learn and develop new skills and generate innovative approaches to environmental issues."

"ELP creates a 'space' within the environmental field where people from all sectors can engage one another to constructively address environmental issues."

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