Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Issue Days?
An Issue Day is an entire day of events planned with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding of an urban policy issue in New York City. At the onset of the program, participants self-select into teams of 6-8 people. Each group is then responsible for working with Leadership New York staff to design and orchestrate a daylong exploration into their issue, including relevant speakers, site visits, and interactive activities. The planning team narrows the issue down to one focusing topic, and the day’s events allow participants to investigate the issue from varying perspectives.
2. What subject areas are covered during Issue Days?
The Finances of New York City, Public Health and Social Services, Community and Economic Development, Arts and Culture, Criminal Justice and Public Safety, the International City and Media, Infrastructure and Environment, and Education are the broad issue areas covered throughout the program. However, a narrower topic related to the issue is determined by the day’s planning team.
3. Who and where do we meet during Issue Days?
This is determined by the participants. Ideally, the planning team will reach into Coro’s extensive network of program alumni and community members – as well as their own collective networks – to include a wide range of perspectives during their issue day. Issue Days are designed to get participants out into the field to meet with all types of individuals and organizations. Typically, small groups of participants disperse throughout the five boroughs to meet with business executives, community groups, elected officials, grassroots nonprofits, city commissioners, and many others. Meeting locations are determined by the planning team, which is responsible for securing venues for the Issue Day sessions.
4. How do participants explore leadership in the program?
Leadership New York looks at leadership as an activity -- the process of mobilizing people to deal with issues and change the status quo. Leadership can be practiced in places where we have formal authority and power or in places where we do not. Through Issue Days, the group planning process, and the Retreat and Saturday Sessions, participants explore skills and methods for exercising leadership. The combination of surveying the landscape of NYC and looking at our own opportunities to lead make for this year-long exploration of leadership.
5. What is the commitment?
We expect a high level of commitment from each participant of Leadership New York. The program runs from September to May, and attendance is expected at all sessions: monthly Issue Days, occasional Saturday and Evening Sessions, and an Opening Retreat. Participants who miss more than three sessions will be asked to withdraw from the program. In addition, participants spend a significant amount of time in Planning Meetings with their Issue Day teams. The frequency of these meetings is determined by the group. Click here to view the 2008-2009 Leadership New York XX Calendar.
Not only is it important to dedicate the time required for Leadership New York, but applicants must also be ready to explore new paths to learning: dialogue about race and power dynamics in the city; step out of their comfort zone and be open to hearing different points of view; and be committed to making New York City a better place to live and work.
6. How much is the tuition for Leadership New York?
The tuition for the program is $4,750. Participants are encouraged to seek financial support from their employer to cover the cost of the program. In addition, participants have in some cases received financial assistance from different affiliations, including supportive board members, fraternities or sororities, religious affiliations, or other associations. Tuition is non-refundable.
7. What do I need to do to apply?
To apply to Leadership New York, first download and read carefully the Information on Applying. Then, visit newyork.coro.org/lnyapp to fill out the Online Application Form and upload your Resume, Community and Professional Affiliations, and Short-answer Essays. The online portion must be completed by 11:59pm on Friday, May 30, 2008.
Two Letters of Recommendation are also required with signed Recommendation Forms. All letters must be sealed and signed across the envelope flap by the recommender and postmarked by Friday, May 30, 2008, in order to be eligible for consideration.
In addition, applicants must mail in a signed Statement of Commitment (please see the Information on Applying) as well as a $100 non-refundable Application Fee.
Application materials for Leadership New York XX can be sent to:
Leadership New York Application
Coro New York Leadership Center
42 Broadway, Suite 1827-35
New York, NY 10004
8. Who do I contact if I have questions?
Interested individuals can sign up for the Leadership New York mailing list and receive periodic program updates as well as details on upcoming information sessions, where they will have the opportunity to hear from past and current program participants about their experiences in Leadership New York.
Questions about the program can be directed to Seth Hufford, Program Director of Leadership New York, at shufford@coronewyork.org or (212) 248-2935 ext. 304.
