More than 6,000 youth ages 13 to 18 have participated in the Foundation's leadership training workshops and conferences.
You can't lead the people unless you love the people.
You can't save the people unless you serve the people.
The Leadership Institute is the centerpiece of the Tavis Smiley Foundation’s Youth to Leaders program. Teens, ages 13-18, are invited to apply for admission to attend this annual conference.
Through workshops, panel discussions and interactive activities, the participants learn to assess their strengths and weaknesses, review models of leadership, set goals, discuss and debate issues and create action plans to address issues important to youth. The curriculum also includes career and college planning and a special series of workshops for adults on how to engage youth leadership and advocacy. During the conference the students complete an on-site service project.
Leading experts conduct the workshops but a key component is the Foundation’s National Youth Advisory Council. These teen alumni help design and run the Institute. These youth have received training in youth facilitation which enables them to serve as role models to their peers and increases their experiential learning.
To develop a cadre of young leaders with critical-thinking skills who will share their knowledge and skills and make a positive impact on world.
To help youth develop a sense of civic and personal responsibility and commitment.
To foster relationships among youth from different parts of the country, schools, church and community groups.
To increase student awareness about important issues facing our world.
The Institute will provide leadership training to more than 200 students and adults interested in youth engagement annually.
Each student attendee will be challenged to join with youth in their community or school to create a service project within six months of Institute. Outstanding individuals, teams and their projects will be featured on the foundation's website and receive special commendation from Tavis Smiley.
Empowering today's youth for tomorrow
The program for the Institute draws inspiration from our faculty member Dr. Cornel West’s definition of leadership: “You can’t lead the people, if you don’t love the people and you can’t save the people if you won’t serve the people.” The plenary sessions and workshops are designed to help young people develop individually as leaders and then apply their new skills and talents and impact their community and our world in a positive way. We believe leaders who are confident, strong and caring have the capacity to love and serve others. We want young people to know that there is joy in giving back.
