The Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative: Leo Twiggs Scholars
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Since 2012, The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) has partnered with Furman University’s Riley Institute to nominate arts leaders in our state to participate in the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI).
Two (2) arts leaders will be vetted through SCAC to continue with the Riley Institute’s rigorous application and interview process. The Riley Institute has the final say in the participant selection.
The award-winning DLI equips leaders with the tools and perspectives needed to leverage diversity to improve organizational outcomes and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina.
Since 2003, more than 2,300 leaders across the state have graduated from the DLI program and become Riley Fellows, members of a powerful cross-sector of South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders.
Participants (also known as Leo Twiggs Leadership Scholars) will be selected to join the DLI class based on their capacity to create impact within their organizations and communities through the arts.
Time Commitment:
One day a month for five months. Participants are expected attend all program sessions.
Curriculum:
The Diversity Leadership in Action is a highly interactive curriculum that includes case studies, scenario analyses, and other experiential learning tools that maximize interaction and discussion among participants and facilitate productive relationships. The course is designed and facilitated by Juan Johnson.
Module details: https://www.furman.edu/riley/diversity-strategies/diversity-leaders-initiative/frequently-asked-questions/
Location:
DLI classes take place in three regions: Upstate (spring, fall), Midlands (spring), and Lowcountry (fall).
All sessions will be hosted in-person (subject to change and adapt to support health and safety) in the specific region and will feature expert speakers, engagement activities and networking opportunities.
Fees:
Tuition will be paid for selected Leo Twiggs Scholars through the SCAC/DLI partnership.
Application Deadline (s): Cycle 1: Thursday, August 1st, 2024 (Lowcountry/ Upstate)
Cycle 2: Thursday, December 19, 2024 (Midlands/Upstate)
Application must be complete and submitted online through Submittable.
Who is eligible to apply?
· The applicant must be a resident of South Carolina
· The applicant must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application
Qualifications
· A passion for Arts and Culture
· A commitment to civic engagement and leadership
Who Should Apply?
· Artists
· Arts administrators
· Arts & culture professionals interested in community engagement
· Professionals in community development
Application Requirements:
· Personal Statement (Tell us why attending this training is important to you and/or your community).
· Impact Statement (Tell us what leadership skills or knowledge you hope to acquire, and how will these allow you to further or improve your work).
· Resume (Resume should showcase leadership and/or volunteer experience in arts & culture and community development).
Application Short Answer Questions:
1. SCAC’s values are accountability, courage, creativity, learning, relationships, and social justice. Select one of these values and describe why it’s important to you.
2. What unique or diverse arts perspectives would you bring to the cohort? How would your past professional and personal skills contribute to the cohort?
3. Name one leadership quality you possess that will benefit your community.
4. Describe how your participation in the program will impact your personal/professional goals? How will your participation impact your community?
Alumni:
Upon completion of the program participants will become a Leo Twigs Leadership Scholars’ Alumni, they will participate in program evaluation, and submit a story or video about their experience to be share on the SCAC website and/or social media channels.
Diversity Leaders Initiative Evaluation Rubric
Personal Statement (50 points)
Evaluate the candidate’s written responses. Look for evidence of insight, vision, or goals in terms of what the applicant hopes to achieve as a leader. The responses should demonstrate a significant degree of thought and should outline the applicant’s goals for participation in the program.
10 points: No real demonstration of insight, vision, or goals in the responses
20 points: Minimal insight, vision, or goals evident in the responses
30 points: Demonstrates a significant degree of insight and vision, with some reasonable goals
40 points: Demonstrates an exceptional degree of at least one of the following: insight, vision, or goals
50 points: Demonstrates outstanding insight and vision along with clear, impactful goals for participation
Impact Statement & Resume (50 points)
Evaluate the candidate’s leadership skills, their personal commitment to leadership development, and overall potential as a future/continued leader in the community.
10 points: No demonstration of leadership skills or commitment to leadership development
20 points: Minimal demonstration of leadership skills or personal development
30 points: Leadership skills and development align with career stage and setting
40 points: Has demonstrated leadership skills and development beyond what is expected for career stage and setting; high potential for transformative leadership
50 Points: Has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, commitment and growth for career stage and setting; outstanding potential for transformative leadership