NLI Leadership Training: Spring 2023

Overview

The Native Leadership Institute (NLI) leadership training program consists of a 4-day immersive training program where you’ll gain the skills to run an effective campaign while leading with our shared Indigenous values. Once the training ends, you’ll join a supportive alumni network to help guide you on your journey.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Some of the topics that we’ll cover include:

Messaging & Communications
Public Speaking
Media Training
Fundraising
Organizing & Mobilizing
Power Building
Campaign Timelines & Budgets
Campaign Strategy
Political Data & Technology
Digital Organizing
Finding Your ‘Why’
Understanding Sovereignty, Liberation, & Decolonization
Self-care, Personal Support, & Guidance

This training program is created by Native leaders for Native leaders to ensure our Indigenous values are centered, supported, and respected.

Schedule

Run for Office: 101

Wed., May 31 from 1-6 pm PT | 4-9 pm ET

Run for Office: 201

Thur. & Fri., June 8-9 from 1-6 pm PT | 4-9 pm ET
Sat. & Sun., June 10-11 from 9 am – 2 pm PT | 12-5 pm ET

Interview & Selection Process

We want to make sure that our program is a good fit and that we are in alignment on our values as we work on leadership development together. Our interview and selection process is designed to provide an opportunity for us to get to know each other and to have a more in-depth conversation about the program and your experience, goals, and future plans.

The first step is to fill out the interest survey. Once the survey has been completed, you will receive a link to the full application.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an email with a link to schedule a 30-minute interview with a member of our program team.
We will then review your full application and make a final decision about who will be admitted into the program.
If accepted, you’ll receive detailed information about the program, including how to join, and pre-work in the weeks leading up to the session.

Questions?

Please refer to the FAQs below. If your question isn’t answered below, don’t hesitate to contact us at nli@advancenativepl.org.

FAQs

Who is this training for?

This training program is designed for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian leaders who aspire to run for elected office in the United States, who have a demonstrated connection to their communities and a commitment to uplifting tribal sovereignty and building Native power. Priority will be given to those seeking office within the next 1 to 3 years.

How do I apply?

Once you’ve completed our initial interest form, you’ll receive an email to complete the full application. After you submit your application, we’ll invite you to set up a 30-minute Zoom interview so we can learn more about you, find out more about what you hope to gain from this program, and answer any questions that you might have about the Native Leadership Institute.

Is there a cost to participate?

No, there is no cost to attend our training. We are offering this program free of charge to our community. In return, we ask that you commit to being on-time, present, and participatory for the entire program.

What is the time commitment?

When accepted to the Native Leadership Institute, you will be required to fully participate in our 5-hour, Run for Office 101 course and 4-day, Run for Office 201 intensive to ensure participants have the requisite language and foundations. Before each session there will be required pre-work. Altogether, there will be just over 20 hours of required training time and 3 to 5 hours of preparation to get the most out of this program.

What if I can only attend for part of the time?

We ask that you only accept your offer to attend if you can join us for the full time. If something changes in your schedule after you’ve accepted and you can no longer commit to the full program, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on our waiting list.

Can I participate if I'm a current elected official?

The answer to this question depends on your elected office, however, given ethics laws restricting “gifts” it is unlikely that you’ll be able to participate in this program. We do, however, encourage you to reach out as we’d love to connect with you and tell you more about our Native Elected Leaders Network program. You can reach us at nli@advancenativepl.org.

Can I participate if I'm a current candidate running for office?

No, you cannot participate in this program if you’ve already declared candidacy given campaign finance laws. However, please reach out once your election is over, as we’d love to support you as either a newly elected official in our Native Elected Leaders Network or as a participant in future NLI programs and training classes! You can contact us at nli@advancenativepl.org.

What technology will I need to participate in the program?

You will need a laptop with a webcam and a high-speed Internet connection to fully participate in this program. You will also need to download Zoom in advance of the training. If you are accepted into the program and you do not have a laptop with an integrated or external webcam and/or reliable access to high-speed Internet, we will work with you to make sure you have what you need to be able to join us.