Emerging Leaders Institute

WESTOP Members:

Some of you have been asking about the status of the WESTOP Emerging
Leaders Institute (ELI). Let me assure you that this subject is at the
forefront of WESTOP operations. We have just completed a pilot year
that has brought us many insights into the development of this
program. We are shifting gears beginning with the Reno Conference to
conduct further development and wish to solicit your input and
expertise in this endeavor.

We have restructured development responsibilities to rest with the
incoming President-elect. This move will provide continuity, as each
sitting and past President will act as mentors, having a vested
interest in the success of the program. We would like to bring this up
as a potential by-laws amendment in 2002 to institutionalize the
rationale. To give you a fuller understanding I'll briefly highlight
the historical development of ELI in WESTOP.

As early as 1998 discussions began about initiating an ELI program.
This interest was stimulated by a need within WESTOP to educate and
prepare new leadership for WESTOP in the long-term. Many individuals
are willing to participate in the leadership of WESTOP, but are not
confident in their preparation to begin such service. The ELI concept
addresses this need and gives new leaders the confidence to move
forward and accept the responsibility of running our Association at
various levels. Gerald Bryant, our current Past-president, consulted
with the MAEOPP region about their ELI program and it's development
and brought that information back to our region. The task was assigned
to the Professional Development Committee to construct a pilot
program.

The minutes of WESTOP Board meetings have recorded ELI discussions
since 1998 under President's Reports, Professional Development
Committee Reports, New Business, and Unfinished Business. Information
on ELI development is contained within those minutes and is accessible
by members on the website. Chapter Presidents were tasked with
relaying information back to the Chapters and selecting the pilot
cohort of candidates.

The pilot ELI program was established to operate during 2000 after
development activities in 1999. The purpose of this pilot program was
to determine what worked well and which components need change or
adjustment. This has been accomplished. We now stand at a decision
point; armed with new information, wisdom and questions.

It is our intention to solicit input from the membership throughout
the next year under the leadership and guidance of our incoming
President-elect. In the WESTOP by-laws this duty is currently covered
under Article VII, Section 7.4 (e) "...other powers and duties as may
be prescribed by the Board." The Board collectively believes that this
arrangement will aid in the long-term success of a WESTOP Leaders
program.

The Board, and specifically our new incoming President-elect, will be
actively soliciting your ideas on the structure, curriculum, operation
and policies of our WESTOP Leaders program. Your desires and comments
will be merged with information learned by the Board over the last few
years to formulate our permanent WESTOP Leaders program. We are also
looking at finding a title that may be more inclusive of veteran
members who may be ready to take on leadership roles and desire
additional training.

We will be distributing a survey at the WESTOP Conference in Reno to
the general membership. This survey will provide initial feedback and
give our new President-elect a running start.

If you have questions feel free to ask. I encourage the membership to
utilize our listserve to stimulate discussion on this topic and
prepare for the survey that will be in your Conference packet.

Thank you for taking the time to read such a long message. This is an
important topic and I hope we can all work together to
institutionalize this program for the long-term benefit of our
Association.

Sincerely,


D. Matthew Benney
WESTOP President

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