The AIA, in partnership with Georgetown University, is accepting applications for the 2002 AIA Leadership Institute from members who want to increase their effectiveness and personal involvement as community leaders. The program will accept 25 candidates for an intensive, experiential three-day program March 21-24, 2002, held at Georgetown University in Washington, D. C. Applications are due January 18, 2002.

The goal of the Leadership Institute is to enable architects to exercise greater influence outside the profession through participation on civic and community boards, though elected or appointed office, or in volunteer activities that demonstrate the important contributions architects can make.

Georgetown University's Center for Professional Development faculty and architects recognized as leaders within their communities will moderated the discussion and workshops. Each participant will have the opportunity to assess his or her leadership skills and experience, discuss the assessment with faculty skilled in executive coaching, and develop an individual plan to achieve specific leadership goals.

How to apply
AIA members may nominate themselves for the Leadership Institute by completing the application and sending it, along with the required attachments, to: Linda Hopper, Director of Training and Organizational Development, Georgetown University, Healy Hall, Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20057.

Each applicant must include two letters of reference, one of which must be from a supporter outside the applicant's firm. Each letter of reference must address the following issues:
• Reference's name, address, phone/fax/e-mail contacts
• How the reference knows the applicant and the duration of the relationship
• The applicant's specific leadership attributes that have been demonstrated outside the practice of architecture
• The applicant's current civic contributions
• How the applicant has and will contribute to his or her community
• The applicant's greatest leadership contribution.

Applications will be reviewed by representatives from the AIA and Georgetown University.

Applicants must provide:
1. A career précis (two pages maximum) that details their contributions to the community, including volunteer community service activities and professional activities

2. A letter that
• Describes their most challenging leadership experience and how they handled it (failures are as important as successes)
• Defines the qualities of an effective leader, and explains how their attendance at the Leadership Institute will help meet their career goals
• Describes the qualities that they will bring to the Leadership Institute to make it successful and how they will apply the information gained by participating.

Applicants must oversee the collection and mailing of all materials. Only applications that are completed will be accepted.

General Information
Cost: The enrollment fee of $2,000 is due within 30 days of notification of acceptance into the program. This fee covers all lodging and some food costs during the program. (Airfare is not covered by the program enrollment fee.) All checks should be made payable to Georgetown Center for Professional Development.

Accommodations: Lodging and some meals will be at the Georgetown University Conference Center on campus. A single room reservation will be made in your name for the duration of the program.

Cancellations: A $200 administrative fee will be assessed for cancellations within two weeks of the program. Cancellations or withdrawals on or after the opening of the program are subject to a fee.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.