Leaders in Equity, Antiracism, and Parity (LEAP) Institute

Program Description

This is a 12-week intensive program for individuals who want to become leaders within their professional realms of influence around the issues of equity and diversity. Through weekly online meetings and webinars, high-quality course materials, industry-specific small groups, and speakers who are doing equity work in various fields, participants will learn how to take their interest in equity work from a desire for knowledge to a plan of action for effectuating tangible change. We began accepting applications on September 2, 2020 in order to fill twenty available spots across four specific industries: education, healthcare, community leadership, and faith leadership.  Participants will receive all course materials and training free of charge in exchange for a commitment to implement their plans of action within their professional circles of influence.

Why we created LEAP Institute

The LEAP Institute’s primary goal is to establish a network of trained leaders in anti-racism who can collaborate and support each other as they each work within their communities, places of business, and neighborhoods to create a safe culture of inclusivity for all. Through this program, you will gain the skills, knowledge, and cultural competence to bridge our divides and effectuate change within the systems and institutions in your community. This work is necessary to the industries we will focus on: education, healthcare, community leadership, and faith leadership. While we often see the most disparities in these fields, they are also where strong leaders have the greatest chance to positively impact the lives and experiences of large numbers of individuals of all races and ethnicities.

Upon completion of the LEAP Institute, you will have access to all of the following resources to assist you in achieving your goals and implementing successful plans of actions:

• Ongoing networking opportunities with people dedicated to equity and parity work, as well as experts in this field.

• Access to a LEAP resource page updated with online resources.

• Follow up conversations with the In Purpose and LEAP coordinators to support you as you implement positive change.

Expectations for acceptance and participation in the Leap Institute

• Participation in all scheduled webinars and training sessions throughout the 12 weeks.

• Completion of reading and writing assignments as part of your learning process.

• Openness to engaging in difficult discussions and reflection.

• A commitment to create and implement a feasible plan of action that effectuates change to make our communities more equitable.

• A willingness to participate in program evaluations and follow up surveys at the 3 month, 6 month, and one year post-completion marks.

How to apply

Interested individuals can apply by completing the application electronically at www.inpurposeea.com/leap-application.  We are accepting applications from September 2, 2020 through November 1, 2020. Please be sure to answer all questions as thoughtfully and thoroughly as possible within the word limit. We are accepting applications across four specific industries: education, healthcare, community leadership, and faith leadership.  Your answers to the application questions should be tailored toward the specific area for which you are applying.

What happens if your current professional responsibilities qualify you for more than one area (for example, you are a healthcare professional and a faith leader)?  Because we expect your answers to be highly tailored to the specific area for which you are applying, you will need to complete a separate application for each area.  

What happens if I have further questions about the application process? You may send an email with any of your questions to [email protected] or [email protected].

Important dates

September 2, 2020--Application becomes available on www.inpurposeea.com/leap-application

November 1, 2020--Last day to submit applications.

November 20, 2020--Notification of acceptance to the program.

December 2020--Receive books and course materials.

January 11, 2021--Beginning of program.

April 5, 2021--Completion of program and graduation.

Program schedule

Whole Group Training Sessions

• January 11, 2021

• January 25, 2021

• February 8, 2021

• February 22, 2021

• March 8, 2021

• March 22, 2021

• April 5, 2021

Content Specific Training Sessions:

Education: February 1, March 4

Healthcare: February 4, March 1

Community Leadership: February 18, March 15

Faith Leadership: February 15, March 18

As part of the content-specific training sessions, we will be hosting a speaker series with experts discussing the equity work they do in their particular areas of expertise.  The dates of these speaking engagements are as follows: February 1 (education), February 15 (faith leadership), March 1 (healthcare), and March 15 (community leadership).  Participants in the program are invited to attend any sessions in the speaker series as a benefit to their participation.  

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be able to keep all of their materials in addition to receiving a certificate of completion.  Please check with your professional organizations to discuss how to receive credit for this course toward your ongoing training requirements.