TWS’ Leadership Institute receives grant from DSC Foundation

The Dallas Safari Club Foundation has continued to support The Wildlife Society’s Leadership Institute through a $5,000 grant for the class of 2020. For several years, the Dallas Safari Club and its foundation have contributed to cohorts of early-career professionals to engage in leadership training.

The Dallas Safari Club Foundation provides grants to a variety of organizations in support of wildlife conservation and advancing science-based management. The Wildlife Society’s Leadership Institute, with the support of DSCF, provides opportunities for constructive and substantive discussions to promote and support a diverse community of wildlife professionals. 

The Wildlife Society’s Leadership Institute Class of 2020 has adapted to the restrictions of COVID-19 with extended remote learning, virtual networking opportunities with a wide variety of wildlife professionals and increased engagement with program alumni. The Leadership Institute committee has also been able to utilize this time to review and enhance program curriculum and content. Among the updates to enhance this extended program has been a monthly webinar series on a variety of topics. Funds provided by DSCF are being used to support the continued growth and development of Leadership Institute participants.

Since starting their Leadership Institute experience in May 2020, participants have engaged in professional development, like the 2020 TWS Annual Conference and mentoring relationships. They have also been working collaboratively to understand a wide array of leadership styles and perspectives and have discussed skills and strategies to better navigate the conservation field. The goal is for the experiences of this group to culminate in an in-person summit to solidify connections they’ve made and to practice lessons learned.

Following the Leadership Institute, participants will be able to more effectively engage in conservation and facilitate opportunities for others to take a more active role in conservation efforts. The Leadership Institute prepares early-career professionals to become better leaders within TWS and in the profession and to be well-equipped to conserve and manage wildlife in an ever-changing ecological and political landscape.

The Wildlife Society will open the application period for a new Leadership Institute class in January 2022. Learn more about TWS’ Leadership Institute.