The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute - University of Arkansas System

Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills

Leadership Program of the Southern Office of The Council of State Governments/Southern Legislative Conference

The Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS) embodies the Southern Legislative Conference of The Council of State Governments’ mission of championing excellence in state government and providing non-partisan forums for state officials who might rarely cross paths to share ideas. The objective of the program is to enhance the participants’ leadership knowledge through sessions geared to improve competencies in communication, conflict resolution, consensus building and critical decision-making.

Additionally, CALS prepares emerging and mid-career legislative, executive and judicial branch state leaders for their roles in state government. Particularly compelling is the need for leadership development in the five term-limited state legislatures in the Southern region. Annually, applications are accepted from 10 of the 15 states in the region. The state rotation guarantees a manageable class size and includes at least three of the region’s five term-limited legislatures.  Scholarships, which cover the cost of tuition, travel, lodging and meals, are awarded to 25 state leaders.

Ultimately, the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills helps provide the public with highly skilled, educated, and confident state leaders equipped to be effective decision makers. Meeting state officials from around the region, sharing insights and ideas, and networking are key components of the program. For more information, visit www.slcatlanta.org/CALS.html.

Past Conferences

The 2010 conference took place September 25-28 at the University of Arkansas System’s Winthrop Rockefeller Institute.

Read a news release about the fourth annual CALS.