This overview serves as an outline of what to expect in the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program. We will be tailoring the program to best suit the needs of our participants, including webinar dates and content. This curriculum is subject to change to meet these needs. There will be additional, optional networking and professional development opportunities. 

Pre-Program (September 2025)

  • Provide initial data and feedback through a questionnaire 
  • Receive tools to serve as an SWCS leader, including press release templates, SWCS organizational information, program outline, and other resources.

Module 1: You as a Leader (September-October 2025)

  • Define your leadership style
  • Address barriers to leadership
  • Establish a leadership vision with your goals and commitments
  • Determine your personal motivations
  • Build your confidence as a leader
  • Time management strategies
  • (Optional) Virtual Networking Session

Module 2: Community Building (November-December 2025)

  • Receive event planning essentials and support toolkit
  • Understand the value of social capital
  • Effective communication and public speaking tools

Module 3: Leading Others (January-February 2026)

  • Insights into working with different personality types and backgrounds
  • Storytelling and persuasion tools 
  • Local organizing resources and strategies
  • Tools for developing partnerships
  • Connect with SWCS staff and community

Module 4: Knowledge into Action (March-August 2026)

March-June 2025
  • Host a conservation activity or event. Examples include:
    • An event, such as a workshop, field day, workplace tour, networking event, cleanup, or roundtable that promotes conservation
    • A public speaking opportunity at an event or directly with producers or landowners
    • A partnership with an outside organization to accomplish a shared conservation goal
    • An outreach project to promote a conservation effort, practice, policy, or program
    • A team-building activity with your colleagues or other partners
  • Brand yourself as an SWCS Emerging Leader
  • Opportunities to stay engaged with SWCS
  • Alumni Network introduction and overview
  • (Optional) Participate in networking and learning sessions at the 81st SWCS International Annual Conference

Program Follow Up (August 2026)

  • Submit a final report to reflect on the program and provide feedback

2026 program release waiver.