What is the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills?
In recent years, a number of federal initiatives have placed significant new demands on states. The shifting federal-state relationship has forced states to assume greater responsibilities in both the policy and funding arenas. Additionally, term-limited state officials are working with challenging time constraints to meet the needs of their constituents during difficult fiscal conditions.
It was the implementation of term limits in five of the 15-member states, and recognition of the changing political landscape in the South, that moved the Executive Committee of Southern Legislative Conference to approve the establishment of the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS).
CALS embodies the The Council of State Governments South's mission of championing excellence in state government and providing nonpartisan forums for state officials who might rarely cross paths to share ideas. The objective of the program is to enhance the participants' leadership knowledge through sessions geared to improve competencies in communication, conflict resolution, consensus building and critical decision-making.
Additionally, CALS prepares emerging and mid-career legislative, executive and judicial branch state leaders for their roles in state government. Particularly compelling is the need for leadership development in the five term-limited state legislatures in the Southern region.
Applications are accepted annually from 10 of the 15 states in the region. The state rotation guarantees a manageable class size and includes at least three of the region's five term-limited legislatures. Scholarships--which cover the cost of tuition, travel, lodging and meals--are awarded to 25 state leaders.
Ultimately, the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills helps provide the public with highly skilled, educated and confident state leaders equipped to be effective decision makers. Meeting state officials from around the region, sharing insights and ideas, and networking are key components of the program.
The 2012 CALS Program will be held Sept. 22-26 in Atlanta. For more information, please contact Lori Jones-Rucker at (404) 633-1866 or ljones-rucker@csg.org.
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