We’ve discussed at length here at Create WV the positive benefits of embracing diversity and the negative effects of not planning for it. We are pleased to share an initiative that is being launched in the Kanawha Valley called the Diversity Leadership Academy. Please note the deadline of June 18 for applications!

It is with great pride that we announce the formation of the Diversity Leadership Academy® West Virginia (DLAWV) and invite your participation. West Virginia will follow other communities that are leveraging diversity to strengthen their communities and institutions.   The DLA West Virginia will offer this cutting-edge program to engage leaders throughout the state in a developmental experience designed to build diversity awareness and capability.  Program graduates will share a common diversity language, tools, and leadership skills that they can apply to the critical issues in their communities.  As we have seen in other communities, they will form a “community of interest” working to create positive change in West Virginia.

Click here to download the DLAWV Fall 2008 Application

Click here to download the DLAWV Fall 2008 Brochure

The Diversity Leadership Academy® was developed by the American Institute for Managing Diversity, Inc. (AIMD), a nationally recognized leader in diversity research and education in 2001. Since the program’s inception, AIMD, in partnership with local organizations, has launched programs in Atlanta, Indianapolis, the Delaware Valley Region, South Carolina, and more.  Jackson Kelly PLLC, Ron English, and the Charleston Area Alliance are proud to join with AIMD to bring the Diversity Leadership Academy® to the state of West Virginia. The program is dedicated to fostering quality decisions about diversity throughout society. It will provide a methodology and new way of looking at diversity that will equip participants to inspire and champion change in their organizations, neighborhoods, homes and communities.

Click here to download the DLAWV Press Release

West Virginia has a history of successful public-private partnerships. This effort, which is supported by West Virginia’s Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity,the business sector and civic leaders, is yet the latest example of how we optimize the inherent strengths of our diverse community. That’s why we hope you’ll consider participating in this pioneering program. By learning to identify and manage diversity issues, you will help change the landscape so we can better understand, work and live together.

Please take a moment to download the program materials (links are provided above) and apply for the DLA West Virginia Inaugural Class commencing this fall 2008.  Applications are due by June 18, 2008.  Fellowships, both partial and full, will be based on the level of corporate sponsors and grants that the DLA WV program receives.  If you are interested in participating and need assistance with funding, please submit your application in order that AIMD can assess the number of fellowships that are being requested.

You can submit your application via fax, email, or regular mail.  Additional information and the application are also available at www.aimd.org or contact the DLA Program Manager, Beth Cole, at 404-575-2131, ext. 11, or via email at [email protected].

We hope you will seize this historic opportunity to be on the forefront of change in West Virginia.

Sincerely,

Melanie Harrington          
President and

Beth Cole

Program Manager

American Institute for Managing Diversity, Inc.

Jeff Woods                  
Partner
Jackson Kelly PLLC   

Matthew Ballard                        
President
Charleston Area Alliance

Ron English
Community Leader and Volunteer

Former Pastor First Baptist Church