ASNE to conduct Minority Leadership Institute

• By: ASNE staff
• On: 04/12/2013 12:01:36
• In: Diversity

The American Society of News Editors announced Friday that it is teaming with the American Press Institute to hold its first Minority Leadership Institute of 2013. This Institute will take place June 23-24 in Washington, D.C., and will coincide with the annual ASNE Convention.

The Institute is open to ASNE member organizations only and will provide leadership and management training to 15 mid-level editors and business executives from news organizations around the country. Candidates must apply to the Institute to be considered.

The program was conceived by ASNE's Diversity Committee and first conducted in August 2012 at UNITY. Alfredo Carbajal, managing editor of The Dallas Morning News/Al Día and co-chair of ASNE's Diversity Committee describes the program as "a very tactical, concrete and high-impact effort for pushing diversity in our industry. We believe this Institute represents an opportunity to identify, train and cultivate future news and business leaders with diverse backgrounds that are needed for our organizations to build sustainable and successful businesses."

Carbajal also said the committee intends to select "a very diverse group to closely reflect society and the conditions of our news organizations."

A day-and-a-half program, the Institute is tailored to address the most pressing issues for leaders and the basic skills needed to lead and drive change. In the past, topics have included goal setting, creating strategies, personal leadership style, driving diversity, and technology and innovation.

Last year's presenters included: Jill Geisler, Poynter Institute Senior Leadership Leader; Ellen McDonnell, NPR Executive Director; Mark Russell, Orlando Sentinel Executive Editor; Victor Hernandez, CNN Technology Planner; Mei-Mei Chan, The (Fort Myers) News-Press Publisher; David Boardman, Seattle Times Executive Editor; Anders Gyllenhaal, McClatchy VP of News; Alfredo Carbajal, The Dallas Morning News/Al Día Managing Editor; and Keith Woods, NPR VP for Diversity in News and Operations.

The cost: Because of a generous donation from the American Press Institute, most expenses for the Institute are covered. Participants will be reimbursed for travel and hotel fees and most meals.

Apply by email to asne@asne.org with the subject line "ASNE Minority Leadership Institute application" and include the following:

• A resume
• A 300-word essay describing the leadership role you play in your organization, including day-to-day managerial duties and why you would benefit from the Institute
• A nomination letter from your supervisor (you must be employed by a news or media organization to be considered)

Applications are due by May 3. Click here to read a draft of the Institute schedule.

ASNE will hold two additional Minority Leadership Institutes later this year: one Aug. 1-2 at the NABJ Convention and Career Fair in Orlando, Fla. (sponsored by the Scripps Howard Foundation) and another Aug. 23-24 at the NAHJ/RTDNA/SPJ Excellence in Journalism 2013 conference in Anaheim, Calif. More information will be released in the coming weeks.