Initiative connects leadership researchers and educators across campus

It doesn't matter whether you teach it, research it, or run a program on it, the message from the Leadership Education Academic Research Network (LEARN) is clear: there’s a place for you in LEARN.

“LEARN was founded in 2012 as outreach from the Werklund Youth Leadership Centre (YLC), with a goal of connecting all of the leadership initiatives on campus,” explains Brittany Harker Martin, director of the YLC and founder of LEARN.  

“We believe it’s important to recognize and celebrate that we are at the forefront of leadership education and interdisciplinary collaboration at the University of Calgary,” she says.

“Members co-created our vision and mission statements in line with the University of Calgary’s strategic vision to be a global intellectual hub. We focus on connecting, collaborating, and communicating with individuals, organizations, and communities interested in leadership. Our mission is that we learn from, research with, and support each other across faculties, disciplines, initiatives, and programs.”

Two years ago, LEARN’s first meeting brought together representatives from 14 faculties for a discussion on leadership education, and since then, the list of those interested in connecting or participating in events has grown to almost 50 members.

The network has provided a variety of opportunities for the participants, often in collaboration with other campus centres such as the Women’s Resource Centre and the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership. LEARN gatherings have included a panel discussion on mentorship with Werklund professor Ann Calvertand education alumna and Chair of the Board of Governors Bonnie Dupont, and an exclusive meeting for network members and guests with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

The next LEARN event is a Leadership Lunch scheduled for March 6, from noon to 1 p.m. Anyone connected to leadership education initiatives (student, academic, and staff) is invited to join in on a light lunch and roundtable aimed at sharing details about leadership work taking place across campus. A brainstorming session will focus on ways the network can be a support to those working in the areas of leadership and leadership development.

While the gathering is free to attend, Martin asks that those interested those interested register, so that the YLC can plan accordingly for a light lunch.