News & information

The application period for participation in the Leadership Academy in 2017 is now open.

Since 2005, NALC has sponsored letter carriers representing each of NALC’s 15 regions for this intensive training and development of the skills effective leaders need.

Under the tutelage of their mentors—established NALC leaders such as branch presidents or national business agents—the students combine three separate weeks of classroom learning with take-home assignments and special projects.

The mentor also should be in a position to provide time and venues for the student to practice the skills he or she has been building at the Academy, to be available to observe their mentee’s work and to provide appropriate feedback and critique.

During the classes, students discuss effective leadership skills and the union’s legislative agenda. They learn about topics such as the Dispute Resolution Process, strategic planning, branch financial responsibilities, retirement issues, route protection, workers’ compensation, effective negotiation techniques and getting the NALC’s message out.

Each week of the Academy also includes an ongoing emphasis on effective written and oral communication skills in forums such as membership meetings and training, as well as in written reports and oral presentations about their take-home projects.

All Leadership Academy graduates leave with skills and confidence they may never have thought they would achieve, thanks to this rigorous but rewarding program.

Students are required to complete outside learning projects upon returning home following Weeks 1 and 2, and upon graduation the students will spend a fourth week working in their national business agents’ offices.

The application period ends on Aug. 31, and a Leadership Academy schedule for 2017 will be announced later.

If you applied but were not selected for the 2016 Leadership Academy, and if you completed and mailed back the blue self-addressed stamped postcard indicating that you wanted your application to be automatically considered for 2017, you do not need to reapply for an Academy spot. All others should contact the appropriate national business agent’s office to request an application form. The form also is available for download here.

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