Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI)

2012 American Express Foundation - Aspen Institute Fellowship for Emerging Nonprofit Leaders

Purpose
The purpose of the American Express Foundation – Aspen Institute Fellowship for Emerging Nonprofit Leaders is to develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders that combines exploration of core values with best practices from other sectors and opportunities for cross-sector learning, mentorship, and collaboration. Using the time-tested Aspen method of text-based dialogue, the program aims to provide the tools and perspectives necessary for effective, enlightened leadership. The Fellowship provides nonprofit leaders with the opportunity to move beyond daily operational concerns to take time for the "blue sky" thinking and exploration of core values that animate their work and inspire them to become more effective, innovative, and inspiring leaders.

Criteria for Fellowship Candidates
Individuals recommended as candidates for the Fellowship should be:

• executive or management level professionals who have developed theories of change and new structures in their organizations for decision-making that reflect the next generation’s modus operandi;
• leading top-tier organizations or departments that have achieved positive, tangible outcomes in nonprofit or social enterprise spheres;
• at an inflection point in their lives or careers—i.e. having already achieved professional success, they are ready to renew their commitment to serving the public good;
• possessing of a breadth of experience and level of maturity that will enable them to contribute effectively to the seminar experience;
• from diverse backgrounds in terms of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, and geography.

The Program
The Fellows are chosen from a wide pool of young and accomplished nonprofit leaders. Fellowship participants:

• discuss underlying values driving their work;
• develop and embrace a philosophy of leadership;
• explore best practices in both the private and public sectors;
• engage in productive cross-sector dialogue aimed at solving difficult social problems;
• identify opportunities for collaboration with fellow participants or other organizations to pursue projects aimed at achieving a social goal

The seminar is held at the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen, CO.

Contact:
Eric Boehm
Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation
The Aspen Institute
One Dupont Circle, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
(202)736-5855
(202)293-0525 FAX
eric.boehm@aspeninstitute.org