Transformative Rural Leadership Institute

Thank you for your interest in the Transformative Rural Leadership Institute!

The Institute is the culmination of five years of community building effort by the Central Texas Network Weavers, which has been encouraged and supported by the St. David’s Foundation. It is designed to cultivate a strong network of rural leaders and entrepreneurs who are equipped to advance equity and justice through collaboration, shared knowledge and resources, and a commitment to self- and community-awareness. The curriculum will center self-care and resilience alongside building skills and knowledge. Monthly gatherings will cover topics including: network mapping, restorative justice and healing-centered facilitation, storytelling for social change, liberatory practices for community organizing, policy advocacy, civic engagement, intersectionality, and power dynamics.

If you are a current or aspiring leader dedicated to increasing equity, wellness, and a sense of belonging in your community, we invite you to apply!

TUITION
The tuition for the Institute is $400. Since space is limited, we are charging tuition as a sign of commitment to engaging fully with the experience and attending all sessions. We do not want a lack of access to money to stand in the way of any leader’s learning or network building. We encourage you to seek sponsorship to participate in the Institute from your local support system. Our team can assist you with that process if needed. Please apply regardless of your ability to pay the $400 tuition.

GRANTS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Upon completion of the Institute, participants will be granted $4,000 for their project or organization. In addition, participants will engage in participatory grantmaking to one another. Each participant will be given $4,000 to grant to other participants’ projects or organizations. This process is meant to provide participants with the opportunity to: practice presenting their project or organization to potential funders; experience being in the role of philanthropist; and to secure general operating money.

REQUIRED DATES FOR ATTENDANCE
The Institute will begin in January 2025. The ability to attend all sessions is imperative to getting the most out of the experience. We ask that you consider your current commitments, and apply only if you can attend all of the following sessions:

Friday, January 31- Sunday, February 2: In-person overnight self-care retreat in Marble Falls beginning at 5pm on January 31 and concluding at noon on February
Thursday February 27: In-person session 9:30am to 3pm in downtown Austin. Lunch provided
Thursday March 27: Virtual session 9am to 3pm
Saturday April 26: In person session 9:30am to 4pm in Central Texas. Location TBD. Lunch provided
Thursday May 29: In-person session 9:30am to 4pm in downtown Austin, plus HEALing Table dinner 5pm to 7pm. Lunch and dinner provided
Thursday September 25: In-person session 9:30am to 3pm in downtown Austin. Lunch provided

Another point of self-qualification that we ask for you to consider is your current life circumstances. Because learning and leadership are most effective when our nervous systems are regulated, practices to manage the stress of daily life will be threaded throughout every session. These self-care practices will not, however, be intended for major life upsets or emotional imbalances. If you are currently dealing with a crisis, loss of a loved one or important relationship, or any other very difficult circumstance, please wait to apply to one of our future cohorts. We care about your well-being and want to ensure all participants are set up for success.

NETWORK WEAVING
Network Weaving is at the heart of the HEAL Alliance’s work, and will be a main theme throughout the Institute. Please review this video before applying.

APPLICATION LINK
If you are ready to apply, CLICK HERE. The application deadline is December 31, 2024.

If you have questions, please email jen@healhistory.org.

The Institute is generously supported by the St. David's Foundation.