ECCEL

Leadership in a Global Society

We all revere great leaders. There’s a certain poise, a certain characteristic, skill or trait that we cannot quite put our finger on that defines each one. Leadership cannot be characterized into specific criteria but manifests on many levels. Yet, if you put a face to your most admired leaders, you’ll find one clear distinction – they know who they are.

Leadership begins with beliefs and values. Who you are is as important – if not more important – than what you do. An effective leader understands oneself and knows which values are important in forming behaviors that result in others wanting to follow. It is character and confidence that fuels our personal growth which pulls us to our potential.

It takes leadership to make an impact. Leadership propels companies, causes and communities forward. Unlock the proverbial door … and lead the way through.

The Program

Since 2013 the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val Kill has hosted ECCEL to take young people on a journey of self-discovery and develop leadership skills and abilities, preparing them to lead and succeed in all aspects of their lives– personal, academic, professional and community.

This transformational program has engaged forty select students annually from four community college campuses, sharpening their desire to lead effectively; unlocking a world of opportunities.

This dynamic experience incorporates weekend-long retreats, interactive workshops, field trips, and experiential learning opportunities alongside self-exploration, mindfulness practices and networking opportunities to help young people discover their strengths, purpose and voice. Participants learn vital communication, collaboration and advocacy skills and explore topics such as ethics, social responsibility and conflict resolution.

For participants, campus and community then become the classroom, as they work together with their teams to implement a Community Impact Project (CIP) that will not only serve a shared mission in response to a community need but will also make positive change in the world.