Association of Leadership Programs - Association of Leadership Programs

2/24/2026

Grab your favorite beverage and join us for Coffee & Connection, a casual one-hour Zoom session hosted by ALP's Membership Director, Zoë Lewis-Monkman.

This is the perfect opportunity for new and existing members to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the benefits of being part of the ALP community. Zoë will answer questions, share insights about ALP's resources and programs while providing tips to help you make the most of your membership.

Whether you're looking to network, deepen your involvement, or simply get to know the ALP team, this laid-back session is a great way to start. Let’s build connections and spark ideas together—one cup of coffee at a time!

Don't miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and caffeinate with Zoë and fellow ALP members!

Leadership Theory and Application

3/9/2026

Gain an understanding of the evolution of leadership theories and their impact on community and organizational development. Determine which leadership theories and principles best embody your organization, your curriculum choices and desired outcomes. Discover how you can create experiences and practices that help your participants bring theory into life. Practice sharing theory fundamentals in meaningful adult learning techniques.

Focus: Understanding and applying leadership theories in real-world contexts.

Topics:
- Evolution of leadership theories
- Aligning theories with organizational goals and curriculum
- Designing experiences to help participants apply leadership principles
- Effective teaching techniques for adult learners

This course is included in ALP's Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) designation curriculum but is open to anyone eager to deepen their leadership knowledge, regardless of whether they are pursuing the CCLP designation.

more info...

Finance, Accounting, Fundraising and Other Revenue Sources

3/16/2026

Fiscal stewardship and management are at the heart of public credibility and trust, especially in community leadership programs and nonprofit organizations. Learn the primary components of financial health, and how to build meaningful budget-based financial reports. Gain an understanding of developing financial dashboards and using them to effectively tell your organization’s story to leadership, staff, community, and funders. Explore innovative revenue streams and mapping tools for program assessment and decision making.

Focus: Ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability in CLPs and nonprofits.

Topics:
- Building and analyzing budget-based financial reports
- Creating financial dashboards to communicate effectively
- Innovative fundraising and revenue generation strategies
- Tools for program assessment and financial decision-making

This course is included in ALP's Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) designation curriculum but is open to anyone eager to deepen their leadership knowledge, regardless of whether they are pursuing the CCLP designation.

more info...

Adult Learning & Development

3/23/2026

The study of adult learning (andragogy) uniquely differentiates effective learning engagement for adult versus youth programs. This session will examine the principles of adult learning, trends in adult learning, adult learning theories and attributes, and developing effective curriculum for professionals focusing on the principles and practices of engaging adult learners effectively.

This four-hour course will help you understand the characteristics of adult learning and ensure your Community Leadership Program curriculum is set up so your participants truly learn.

Course Objectives:

Understanding the difference between youth and adult learning
Examining the principles of adult learning
Evaluating your curriculum against the principles of adult learning

This course is included in ALP's Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) designation curriculum but is open to anyone eager to deepen their leadership knowledge, regardless of whether they are pursuing the CCLP designation.

more info...

Advanced Facilitation

3/30/2026

Complex problems and controversial topics require a highly skilled level of facilitation to diffuse acrimony and enable civil discourse. Experience group facilitation techniques for effective dialog, feedback and conversations, and dealing with disruptors and resistance.

Focus: Mastering facilitation skills to handle complex and controversial issues.

Topics:
Techniques for effective group dialogue and feedback
Strategies for civil discourse on contentious topics
Managing resistance and dealing with disruptors

This course is included in ALP's Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) designation curriculum but is open to anyone eager to deepen their leadership knowledge, regardless of whether they are pursuing the CCLP designation.

more info...

Developing and Managing Boards and Volunteers

4/6/2026

Successful Community Leadership Programs have a powerful ability to identify, attract, and retain high quality volunteers for roles in programming, organizational leadership, community engagement, and organizational sustainability. Learn board best practices and strategies for succession planning at all levels of an organization. Build a volunteer structure for continuous opportunities and leadership development.
Focus: Strengthening volunteer and board engagement for organizational success.

Topics:
- Best practices for board management and succession planning
- Strategies for volunteer recruitment and retention
- Building a sustainable leadership pipeline
- Structuring volunteer roles for long-term impact

This course is included in ALP's Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) designation curriculum but is open to anyone eager to deepen their leadership knowledge, regardless of whether they are pursuing the CCLP designation.

more info...

New Mastery Course! Managing Conflict

4/13/2026

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Building Cultural Competencies

4/20/2026

Achieving DEI goals is a complex process that cuts across multiple dimensions – policies, practices, attitudes and behaviors. Explore biases, cultural competencies, and the impacts of effective inclusionary practices for professional and personal growth.

Focus: Promoting inclusivity and cultural competencies in organizations.

Topics:
- Exploring biases and cultural awareness
- Inclusionary practices for professional and personal development
- Strategies for implementing DEI across policies, behaviors, and attitudes

This course is included in ALP's Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) designation curriculum but is open to anyone eager to deepen their leadership knowledge, regardless of whether they are pursuing the CCLP designation.

more info...

Coffee & Connection

4/23/2026

Grab your favorite beverage and join us for Coffee & Connection, a casual one-hour Zoom session hosted by ALP's Membership Director, Zoë Lewis-Monkman.

This is the perfect opportunity for new and existing members to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the benefits of being part of the ALP community. Zoë will answer questions, share insights about ALP's resources and programs while providing tips to help you make the most of your membership.

Whether you're looking to network, deepen your involvement, or simply get to know the ALP team, this laid-back session is a great way to start. Let’s build connections and spark ideas together—one cup of coffee at a time!

Don't miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and caffeinate with Zoë and fellow ALP members!

New Mastery Course! Storytelling

4/27/2026

ALP CLOSED | US Federal Holiday

2/16/2026

BIPOC Leaders Affinity Group

2/17/2026

A key ALP member benefit is connecting virtually with other members via Affinity Groups on a specific topic of interest.

An ALP member/champion facilitates these ongoing, intact groups. Members of the group share and gain ideas, insights, best practices, inspiration, and more.

The zoom link for each affinity group is only shared with members who have opted-in to specific groups. To sign up for an affinity group, click here.

Certified Community Leadership Practitioner | 2026 CORE Training Course

3/2/2026

The Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) certification is designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize the Association, Chamber of Commerce, and other nonprofit professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of program development in a leadership organization.

Candidates must complete 16 hours of CORE training before proceeding to the Mastery coursework. The CORE training will be offered virtually over five separate days. Participants must attend each of the following sessions in full:

Monday, January 26, 2026 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM ET
Monday, February 2, 2026 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM ET
Monday, February 9, 2026 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM ET
Monday, March 2, 2026 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM ET

The CORE training will include five modules:

Program Scope
Program Specifics
Program Strategies
Program Systems
Program Sustainability

The same ZOOM link will be used for all sessions and shared the week prior to the first session.

Youth Programs Affinity Group

3/3/2026

A key ALP member benefit is connecting virtually with other members via Affinity Groups on a specific topic of interest.

An ALP member/champion facilitates these ongoing, intact groups. Members of the group share and gain ideas, insights, best practices, inspiration, and more.

The zoom link for each affinity group is only shared with members who have opted-in to specific groups. To sign up for an affinity group, click here.

For members who are signed up for Affinity Groups, you can access the Zoom link through the "projects/committees" drop-down after logging into the ALP website.

Chamber Based Programs Affinity Group

3/9/2026

A key ALP member benefit is connecting virtually with other members via Affinity Groups on a specific topic of interest.

An ALP member/champion facilitates these ongoing, intact groups. Members of the group share and gain ideas, insights, best practices, inspiration, and more.

The zoom link for each affinity group is only shared with members who have opted-in to specific groups. To sign up for an affinity group, click here.

more info...

Alumni Engagement Affinity Group

3/17/2026

A key ALP member benefit is connecting virtually with other members via Affinity Groups on a specific topic of interest.

An ALP member/champion facilitates these ongoing, intact groups. Members of the group share and gain ideas, insights, best practices, inspiration, and more.

The zoom link for each affinity group is only shared with members who have opted-in to specific groups. To sign up for an affinity group, click here.

For members who are signed up for Affinity Groups, you can access the Zoom link through the "projects/committees" drop-down after logging into the ALP website.

more info...

Development Affinity Group

4/13/2026

This group aims to support staff involved in fundraising and resource development for Community Leadership Programs. This group provides a collaborative space to discuss strategies, share successes, and explore new approaches to securing financial support, strengthening program sustainability, and expanding community impact.

Flagship Affinity Group

4/27/2026

The Flagship Programs Affinity Group is designed for staff who manage core leadership programs, often known as flagship or signature programs. This group offers a space to share ideas, tackle challenges, and develop best practices that enhance participant experiences, strengthen program impact, and ensure these cornerstone programs remain relevant and effective in building community leadership.

Statewide Programs Affinity Group

5/5/2026

This group connects staff from Statewide Leadership Programs serving entire states, providing a platform to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of Statewide impact. Members collaborate to share insights, refine best practices, and develop strategies tailored to engaging diverse communities across a broad geographic area.

Calendar of Events