Identifying, cultivating and preparing future leaders for SPJ -- that’s why the SPJ Future Leaders Academy (FLA) was created.
This live educational experience offers an opportunity for up-and-coming leaders to learn about the history, programs, and operations of the Society. It offers core training through interactive, meaningful, and practical leadership development experiences with a goal of building confidence, connections, and capacity.
An organization is only as strong as the members and the volunteers that choose to serve as leaders. You can help us make SPJ stronger while boosting your own skills and knowledge.
| May 19 | Deadline for applications |
|---|---|
| June 2 | Participants selected |
| June 9 | Participants accept |
| June 16 | Travel arrangements completed by participants |
| July 21-23 | Future Leaders Academy |
Drury Plaza Hotel, Indianapolis
9625 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46290Any professional member with an interest in furthering their involvement in and connection to SPJ are encouraged to apply. We are looking for a cohort of people who have a willingness to learn and grow as leaders. No minimum time of membership is required, and acceptance as a program participant is contingent on current membership in SPJ.
For specific questions about the FLA, contact Karyn Nishimura Sneath at ksneath@spj.org
3-4:15 p.m. Community Building – Drury Plaza Hotel Meeting Room (first floor)
Through a variety of interactive and purposeful exercises, we will build the learning community and set the tone for the weekend of FLA! Be prepared to interact, connect and prepare for a rich experience with your SPJ FLA cohort.
4:30-5:45 p.m. SPJ History and Influences: Timeline Activity
SPJ has its books, magazines and other items in archives to document our history since 1909. In this session we will experience a living history exercise to further our conversations about SPJ’s storied past. We’ll examine pivotal organizational moments, cultural and societal events and influential people.
6:00-p.m. Dinner & “Kick Back” Cocktail Hour – Drury Plaza Hotel
Buffet dinner with ticketed cocktail service.
7:00-8:30 (seating on your own) Buffet Breakfast – Drury Plaza Hotel
8:30-10:00 a.m. Understanding and Maximizing Strengths with the DiSC® Profile
Self-awareness and tapping the talents of others are important skills in leadership development. What are your strongest leadership behaviors? What are some of the leadership challenges and obstacles have you faced? How do you maximize the talents of others around you? Through the use of the DiSC® Profile, you will gain a sense of four dimensions of leadership and your own unique qualities and behaviors.
10:15-10:45 a.m. SPJ Today: Mission and Values
We’ve looked to the past to remember and reflect on the influencers of SPJ. This session will provide you with a good overview of SPJ’s mission, strategic future, leaders’ roles and member benefits.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. SPJ – Round Robin
Meet the professional staff who design, coordinate and deliver the services and benefits to our individual members and our 150 chapters across the country. In structured, time rounds, you’ll meet several staff members and then talk informally with the remaining team members and volunteers during the lunch hour.
12:00-1:00 p.m. Lunch/Informal Networking – Drury Plaza Hotel
Informal follow-up conversations selected staff and volunteers of your choosing.
1:00-2:30 p.m. Snafu
Dig into a leadership simulation experience! It will follow with a debriefing session and practical application of the lessons learned during this activity. Be prepared to engage at a high level! There won’t be any afternoon yawns after lunch.
2:45-4:15 p.m. SPJ Forward: Future Opportunities
At this point you’ve met some interesting people and new friends. You’ve gained some skills and leadership insights. You’ve applied the information in practical SPJ contexts. Now what?
Associations are great vehicles to hone your leadership skills and build your network of great colleagues. You’ll get an overview of typical ways association volunteers contribute their time, talent and treasure. Getting engaged in SPJ isn’t just serving on a committee or the board. There are numerous ways to be more informed, involved and ultimately invested in SPJ. This session will give you a wider perspective on membership organizations and help you think about your future engagement in SPJ.
4:30-5:00 p.m. Specific SPJ Involvement and Engagement Opportunities
We’ll provide you with a spectrum of opportunities, from the very simple ways to stay connected to very involved, longer term volunteer jobs. This will help you plan for tomorrow’s FLA content and your personal plan.
5:30 p.m. – Depart for The Barrel Room
1435 E 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
8:00-9:00 a.m. Breakfast – Drury Plaza Hotel
9:00-10:30 a.m. Closure: What’s Next for Me?
This session will pull closure to the FLA experience with a model of building one’s leadership credibility, prioritizing one’s values, skills and considering future volunteer aspirations. This final session will help you summarize the FLA experience and then focus on setting individual goals for the future.
10:30 a.m. Departures/Farewells
SPJ News
– E.W. Scripps School of Journalism named Historic Site in Journalism
– ProPublica, The Texas Tribune, The Marshall Project, Military Times, City Bureau, The Maine Monitor honored with SPJ Sunshine Award
– Austin American-Statesman, Chicago Tribune, ProPublica and The Washington Post earn SPJ Ethics in Journalism Awards
Events and Deadlines
– 9/23/23: Shop SPJ Sale
– 9/26/23: Why headline testing matters & how AI can help
– 9/28/23: SPJ23 Annual Convention
– 9/28/23: SPJ23 Keynote featuring Gio Benitez
– 9/29/23: Covering a U.S. Government Shutdown: Story ideas for national and local reporters
