Artifact: Carlson Leadership Academy (SigEp)

CLA 2016 Schedule

Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp), my fraternity, is a values-based fraternity that believes in building Balanced Men. SigEp revolutionized the fraternity movement by unveiling the Balanced Man Program (BMP), a concept of single-tiered membership and continuous development that begins the day a Brother joins. The BMP offers an experience focused on scholarship, leadership, professional development and life skills. Brothers learn to live their best lives through unique, rewarding programming tailored to fit their needs and prepare them for the journey of life ahead.

The Carlson Leadership Academy (CLA) provides interactive officer training to over 2,600 SigEp undergraduates and volunteers annually. Many undergraduates run for executive board positions because they have great goals and visions for their chapter. Attending an Academy ensures an officer will have the skills to manage a committee and follow through on those goals. The program also helps executive boards work together to ensure they all have goals consistent with a unified vision for the chapter.

CLA is held in February, soon after most officer elections, and chapters are encouraged to bring all new officers, rising chapter leaders and engaged volunteers.

CLA provides education for each specific officer position, as well as strategic planning and goal setting, and chapter leadership. The program emphasizes the use of each officer’s individual strengths to build a complete team. Participants spend time on chapter analysis, large and small group sessions and informal interactions with other chapters. Participants will enhance their skill sets and leadership abilities to help them as chapter officers, in other leadership roles, in group projects and eventually in the work force for the rest of their lives.

Chapter officers and campus leaders will return to campus with a better understanding of their position and ambitions, as well as a holistic strategy for moving their chapter forward.

Having attended CLA this past February, I have learned various new and impressive leadership methods and styles. The lessons which I have learned go far beyond the extent of SigEp; they are applicable to general community and life dynamics, and I strive to implement what I have learned and experienced at CLA to my everyday life operations, whether on campus, in the community, or anything in-between.

 

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