Looking to lead in new ways that help stabilize teams, organizations, and entire communities during uncertain times? The Institute for Civic Leadership is the program for you! ICL is Maine’s premier statewide leadership development program for honing your individual strengths, enhancing your relationship-building skills, and mastering holistic systems & network approaches to complex issues. You’ll put theory to practice in a highly supportive yet respectfully challenging cohort environment over the course of eight months, during which you’ll form bonds with classmates from across the state that last a lifetime.

We are accepting applications for the 2025-2026 ICL Class on a rolling basis. Apply today using the link below to secure your spot!

Email Jan Kearce to learn more about ICL.

The Institute for Civic Leadership curriculum is designed for leaders from all sectors to learn individually and as a cohort. Participants hone adaptive and facilitative leadership skills through carefully designed exercises. Each participant explores their individual style and strengths, and how to support members of their teams to do the same. Together, the cohort applies systems thinking, network theory, facilitative leadership techniques, and adaptive approaches to real-life scenarios within a peer-sharing environment. The class also has the opportunity to hear from leaders in different regions of the state about challenges and opportunities they are navigating, and practice applying the course concepts in real time.  

ICL has graduated more than 850 leaders who are passionate about having a lasting, deep impact on Maine communities.

“The ICL experience has been life changing – from the hands-on opportunities at Hurricane Island Outward Bound to the readings and classroom-style learning. The people in my cohort are helping me become a better leader and person. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect from daily responsibilities and do a deep dive into ways to help communities thrive and to develop new and hone existing skills.” – Lisa Laflin, Doubletop Class

Through the program, leaders:

• Identify their leadership style and strengths and how these interconnect with those of the individuals on their team
• Learn and practice strategies and skills to lead through uncertain times
• Learn how to lead difficult conversations, provide peer coaching, and offer consultation to support others’ work and growth
• Explore systems thinking and network theory for context, perspective, and intervention and practice applying these approaches to real-life scenerios
• Hone methods to ensure processes and team relationships foster a sense of belonging while also boosting productivity