2023 Leadership Conference: Bridging Differences in a Polarized World

The Terrence E. Deal Leadership Institute (TDLI) is seeking proposals from undergraduate and graduate students for acceptance into the prestigious TDLI Fellowship Program. This year’s TDLI Fellows will present work that advances and expands the understanding of how differences in society are bridged through various approaches in leadership.

Selected submissions will receive a fellowship award of $500 and will present their work at the annual TDLI conference in April 2023. Selected fellows will meet with Dr. Terrence E. Deal during the spring and work with various members of the TDLI Advisory Board as part of the fellowship program and in preparation for the conference presentation.

Submissions will be accepted via the online application through Monday, October 31, 2022 (see link below). Selected entries will be notified by Friday, December 2, 2022. For questions, contact Joseph Cabrera at jcabrera@laverne.edu or tdli@laverne.edu.

Fellowship Proposal Prompt

As our world seems to become more divided on a daily basis – in terms of politics, culture, even what is established truth – it is more important than ever to understand what tools and strategies can be used to bridge our differences. Fellows will learn about Dr. Deal’s work on Leading with Soul and how storytelling can be used to create connection, but are also encouraged to explore other solutions as well as to get in touch with their own stories of how they themselves or others in their lives demonstrated leadership to overcome differences.

Proposals that examine the concept of bridging differences in our lives (past, present, or future) through various approaches to leadership are accepted for consideration. Below are some examples of what will be considered for selection, though other creative endeavors in the spirit of bridging differences will also be considered:

• A poem could be used to describe how differences were or could be bridged
• An essay or research paper that examines connection strategies that have been most effective and tying those to one’s own story
• A song that illustrates the struggle to overcome divisions in a polarized environment
• Any other creative endeavor (such as videos or artwork) that examines divisions in society and efforts/strategies that can be used to bridge such differences

Awards

Up to ten awards will be provided. Each fellowship award is $500 paid in the spring semester upon completion of the fellowship project. The award is taxable income.

Award Requirements

• Must be an undergraduate or graduate student at the University of La Verne
• Completion of online application
• Demonstration of ability to complete the proposed fellowship project
• Project advances the understanding of leadership (in relation to current theme)
• Fellows will share their work at the annual TDLI Conference and will also share their work with students in select La Verne Experience courses.

Review Criteria

• Proposal raises important insight into leadership
• Proposal explores how leadership approaches, methods, etc. contribute to finding solutions
• Completion of the project will engender learning (of student and stakeholders)
• Approach and research are thoughtful and articulated

Research Fellowship Timeline

To access the Fellowship Application, click here.

For questions on the application and proposal, contact Joseph Cabrera at jcabrera@laverne.edu or tdli@laverne.edu.