Los Angeles, CA – On Saturday, May 2nd, CAUSE hosted the fourth session of the 2020 Leadership Institute. The session was hosted online via video conferencing for the first time in adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines and in consideration of the health and wellness of all participants.
The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) is a community leadership and advocacy training certificate program for high-potential professionals with seasoned leadership experience and a passion for serving the needs of the APA community in California. Participants complete the program armed with the skills and connections vital to advocate for the APA community. Graduates of this program have gone on to change the civic landscape in the region through elected office and leadership roles in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Our program is highly selective and each member of our cohort is selected based on their leadership abilities, public service, and community involvement. Program fellows are identified by leading elected officials, select nonprofit partner organizations, CAUSE Board Members, and CAUSE Alumni.
Read more about this year’s Leadership Institute cohort here.
The session started with a workshop titled, “Metamorphosis: Helping Each Other Find Our Wings” by John Kobara, social entrepreneur and facilitator of change. Throughout his presentation, John challenged fellows to articulate their wishes, obstacles, and strengths in order to “SWiVEL (Strengthen What I Value Enjoy and Love).” John emphasized the importance of the SWiVEL process in developing the lives, careers, and the world they desire because as he stated, “You can’t bolt wings on. You have to grow them.”
Senior political advisor Bill Wong continued the message of aligning action and values during his discussion on “Converting Idealism into Action.” Bill gave the cohort insight on his vision of leadership and the journey toward it, invoking each fellow to reflect on their own style of leadership. He imparted the quote,“Idealism is the fuel. If you don’t share your idealism with the rest of the world then you’re not going to have any impact.” Bill engaged in a vibrant Q&A and embodied this statement by sharing his passion and personal story.