Benevolent Society

Our world and our communities face complex problems which challenge us as individuals to question what role we can play in making a difference.

Despite unprecedented economic growth, the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, with a disturbing impact on health, education and housing. Levels of crime, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence and homelessness remain high. Indigenous Australians still experience much higher levels of poverty, incarceration, abuse and unemployment than the rest of the community. And we face perhaps our great challenge of all as a society in climate change.

It takes more than good intentions to bring about lasting change. Complacency and cynicism are two of the biggest impediments to action: complacency allows people to ignore hard issues; cynicism lets people believe things will never improve.

Sydney Leadership is intended for those who believe these challenges can be addressed and that things can change for the better. Sydney Leadership is based on the conviction that we can all contribute to building a strong and fair future for our local communities, for greater Sydney, and for Australia.

We call this social leadership.

About the Program

The Sydney Leadership Program is an annual ten month social leadership program for senior decision-makers who want to lead change in their own communities, organisations and spheres of influence. Participants learn what it means to exercise leadership. They come face to face with the reality of the complex social problems facing our region and our communities.

Graduates join a growing and committed Alumni network, with the skills and drive to exercise leadership in the most challenging and uncertain social environments. (Hear from some of our Alumni and find out more about this on the SLA Alumni page here.)

Our unique approach

The Sydney Leadership Program is delivered in a highly experiential learning style and draws extensively on the adaptive leadership model developed at Harvard. In contrast to traditional models, adaptive leadership views leadership as an activity rather than a position. It advocates that individuals can lead without formal authority.

Adaptive leadership:
• focuses on getting people to face reality
• mobilises people to tackle tough problems
• requires people to deal with complexity and uncertainty.

In all our programs, participants explore the complexities of a range of social challenges and examine their own purpose and values. They also learn how to:
• take effective, sustained action
• survive the pressures of leadership
• understand and work effectively with group dynamics.

Our programs bring new leadership capability to participants, their organisations and their communities.

“The first step in creating positive social change is wanting to make a difference in the world.  The second is know how to convert that desire into action.”

Vanessa Lesnie, Director, Human Rights Unit, Australian Human Rights Commission
2007 Sydney Leadership participant

“Sydney Leadership has the potential to be one of the most stimulating, enjoyable, challenging and significant years of your life. The concept of bringing together a group of people with diverse backgrounds but a common interest in contemporary social issues, in an environment where they can learn, explore and become actively and constructively involved was both obvious and unique - as many brilliant ideas are - and Sydney Leadership seemed a natural for me. Without doubt the year rates as one of the great experiences of my life. Nine years later I am in regular contact with many of the people I met that year. Several of us have been and still are involved in pro bono ventures together."

Roger West, Director, WestWood Spice
1999 Sydney Leadership participant

Find out more

Explore the Sydney Leadership section of our website through the links on the left, download an information booklet and application form below or contact us if you would like be mailed a printed booklet or speak to one of our team. We welcome your enquiry.  

Applications

We are still accepting applications for the 2010 Sydney Leadership Program. Find out more on our applications page or contact us to discuss your application.