Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Issue Days?
An Issue Day is a daylong series of events planned with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding of a New York City public policy issue. At the beginning of the program, participants self-select into small planning teams of 6-8 people. Each group is then responsible for working with Leadership New York staff to design and orchestrate an exploration into their issue that includes 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, Economic Development and Housing, 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?
These program elements are largely determined by the participants. Ideally, the planning team reaches 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 selected by the planning team, with help from the Coro staff.
4. How do participants explore leadership in the program?
Leadership New York defines leadership as an activity – the process of mobilizing people, groups, organizations or societies to make progress on addressing issues. To engage in leadership, we often need to involve multiple stakeholders, operate with and without positional power or authority, define problems through learning, and experiment with different solutions in order to change the status quo. Participants have the opportunity to practice acts of leadership in both small and large group settings at Retreats and Saturday Sessions by engaging key concepts in workshops and activities; and during Issue Days and Issue Day planning meetings where they can practice key concepts in real time. Additionally, participants explore how language affects thoughts and actions, strengthen their cross-cultural competencies, and engage with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
5. What is the commitment?
We expect a high level of commitment from each Leadership New York participant. 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. Go to the Leadership New York program page to view the Leadership
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, privilege, 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.
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, go to our application page and fill out the Online Application including an upload of your Resume, Community and Professional Affiliations, and Short-answer Essays. The online portion must be completed by 11:59pm on Friday, July 2nd, 2010.
Two Letters of Recommendation are also required. Emailed Letters are preferred. Letters must be sealed and signed across the envelope flap by the recommender and postmarked by Friday, July 2nd, 2010 in order to be eligible for consideration. Letters can also be emailed to lny@coronewyork.org. Instructions are available here.
In addition, applicants must submit a $100 non-refundable Application Fee.
Application materials for Leadership New York 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 through www.coronewyork.org 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 the Leadership New York General Information email address at lny@coronewyork.org or contact our Recruitment and Outreach Manager, Aditi Chakravarty, at (212) 248-2935 ext. 303.
