MidWest Leadership School
2008

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Way More Than Leadership

Experience a whole new level of Unitarian Universalism!

MidWest Leadership School

MidWest Leadership School is part of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s nationwide network of leadership schools. Complementing other district offerings, this school offers a longer and more intense program in which group dynamics can be developed and reflected upon. Led by lay and ordained staff with a deep understanding of UU congregations, a combination of lectures and small group encounters heightens understanding and the ability to navigate group process. By immersing the student in a milieu both supportive and challenging, the MWLS experience provides leadership tools and skills, develops the student as a leader, and deepens the student’s Unitarian Universalist identity and understanding, all designed to prepare students for leadership in UU congregations and beyond.

This is an extremely intense week of workshops, discussions, intimate small groups, worship preparation, personal theological exploration and growth. MWLS does not simply skate on the surface of teaching, but invites all to dive deeply into developing. As we all “lean into our discomfort” many times during the week, students discover the rewards that come from rising to meet challenge. In exchange for wholehearted commitment to a strenuous schedule, MWLS offers a life-changing and congregation-nourishing opportunity.

Sculpture on campus

Who Is It For?

UU leadership schools exist to continue the tradition of fostering effective lay leadership in the UU community for people ages 18 and older.

Are you currently—or soon to be—in an active leadership role on the local or district level? Could you benefit from knowing more about how groups work, grow, and develop? Do you want to know more about consensus building or conflict management — organizational skills, dimensions of healthy congregational growth — addressing social justice issues — working with volunteers? If you answered yes to any of these then MidWest Leadership School is for you!

Registration is open to applicants from member congregations in the three sponsoring districts and to seminary students not yet in candidate status.

Those attendees who are in preexisting relationships are strongly encouraged to attend as separate individuals. According to school policy, they will be assigned to separate sleeping areas.

Curriculum

The program includes UU history and theology, elements of worship, group and system dynamics, and developing and sharing personal belief statements. All of these elements are essential for today’s congregational leaders.

Participants explore alternative ways of looking at issues and finding solutions to problems through a combination of presentations, exercises, and discussions. The program is designed to provide insights, confidence, and enrichment for each participant’s congregation, work, and personal life.

Graduates return with new skills, materials, ideas, resources, and connections to enhance their leadership effectiveness.

Candles at Sunset

Your Commitment

The week-long experience is designed as an integrated curriculum. Each person who enrolls contributes to the learning experience. Participants are expected to make a commitment to the formation of this intentional community, to agree to stay the entire week, and to attend all scheduled classes and gatherings. You are essential!

When

July 20–26, 2008  (Sunday–Saturday)

• Plan to arrive between 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. of the first day for check-in and campus tours.
• Except in extraordinary circumstances late arrivals will not be admitted to school.
• Convene for dinner at 5:00 p.m. followed by orientation and gathering-in worship.
• Depart at noon on last day.

Where

Beloit College Campus Beloit, Wisconsin

MidWest Leadership School is held on the beautiful campus of Beloit College in southern Wisconsin. The turtle, which is the symbol for Beloit College, is also the symbol for MWLS. There are several sacred burial mounds on the campus. For many native American cultures, the turtle symbolizes the planet Earth and a combination of strength, persistence, and the need to stick your neck out to get somewhere!

Facilities and Travel

• Meeting and living quarters are air-conditioned and non-smoking.
• Lodging arrangements are suites with four single bedrooms, a shared common area, and a shared bath.
• Dining hall provides a full range of food choices, including vegetarian (included in tuition).
• Campus has athletic facilities, scenic beauty, and contemplative areas.
• Handicap Accessible but let the Registrar (below) know of your needs so that appropriate room assignment can be made.
• Flying? If you fly into Chicago’s O’Hare or Midway airports, contract Van Galder Bus Co. for ground transportation to Beloit:  800–747–0994.
• Questions? E-mail or call the Registrar:
  Jan Steinmark
  jansteinmark@yahoo.com
  812–473–3915.

Fees and Tuition

Congregation Fee — Each congregation pays a fee of $500, which covers up to four participants.

Tuition — Tuition is $495 per student. Tuition includes meals, room, and materials for the week.

This investment in leadership training is often subsidized or paid by the congregation. Participants can negotiate this on an individual basis with their individual congregations.

Students per Congregation:	1	2	3	4
Congregation Fee	$500	$500	$500	$500
Tuition	$495	$990	$1,485	$1,980
Total	$995	$1,490	$1,985	$2,480

Split Payment Plan:  Remit Congregation Fee and (per student) $150 deposit now; with the balance due by June 1, 2008.

Pearsons Hall

Minister, Board Chair, or President’s Recommendation

Please attach to the registration a signed letter of recommendation for each participant stating why you recommend the person for MidWest Leadership School.

Registration Details

• Maximum number of enrollees is 48.
• Registrations are processed based on the date received.
• Space is limited. Get your application in early to reserve your space.
• MWLS staff is encouraging congregations to send teams this year and have modified the Congregational Fee accordingly.
• We are able to offer partial scholarship assistance. Contact the Registrar for an application. Scholarship applications must be postmarked by May 15th in order to qualify.
• The Congregation Fee in full ($500) and $150 non-refundable tuition deposit per named student must accompany the registration and will hold a space (as available).
• The balance for all students may be paid at the same time, or may be sent in later. It is due by June 1, 2008.
• Please notify the Registrar immediately in case of cancellation.
• No refunds after June 1, 2008 (barring extreme emergencies).
• If you have special dietary needs or food allergies please contact the registrar about your special needs.

Registration Procedure

Registration brochures are mailed to all churches in 2008. Ask your Minister, Office Administrator, or Board Officers for a copy. Registration brochures are also available through your District representative’s office:

• Prairie Star —Nancy Heege, District Executive
  nheege@psduua.org
• Heartland — Nancy Combs-Morgan, Acting District Executive
  ncombsmorgan@uua.org
• Central MidWest — Dr. Ian Evison, Congregational Services Director
  info@cmwd-uua.org

You may also  Print an Application Form  from this website.

Registrar

If you need to know more or have questions, contact:

MidWest Leadership School Registrar :
Jan Steinmark   jansteinmark@yahoo.com
812–473–3915
927 Royal Avenue
Evansville, IN  47715

The Staffs of the MidWest Leadership Schools look forward to meeting you in Beloit next summer.