AFB Blind Leaders Development Program Fellows have a unique opportunity to develop their leadership effectiveness, improve their interpersonal, professional, and social skills, expand their networks, and learn from proven Mentors.
What’s Included
- Webinars delivered by a certified facilitator of "The Leadership Challenge".
- Small group mentoring from established leaders who are blind or have low vision
- Webinars with leaders who are blind outside the program to explore new horizons
- Access to a private LinkedIn group for program alumni and participants
Fellow Selection Criteria
We are committed to selecting a diverse and driven group of emerging leaders with vision loss to participate in each cohort of the AFB Blind Leaders Development Program. Ideal candidates for the program will demonstrate the following:
Leadership Potential During and After the Program
Ideal candidates can benefit and grow from participating in this program. These individuals will apply the knowledge and concepts discussed in “The Leadership Challenge” training, reinforced in Google Classroom, and discussed in mentoring meetings. After the program, ideal candidates will achieve higher levels of leadership in their local community, workplace, and within the blindness community. Ultimately, Fellows will reach levels of influence from which they can create opportunities for future generations of people who are blind or have low vision to develop and achieve their dreams.
Openness to New Ideas and Willingness to Learn
Ideal candidates can learn and grow from a variety of ideas and incorporate these into new ways of thinking. These individuals bring a strong willingness to learn and unique perspectives to the program. This combination ensures that all participants of the Blind Leaders Development Program benefit from a variety of experiences and ideas.
Potential to Be a Productive Participant
Ideal candidates use mainstream software (such as meeting platforms Zoom and/or Google Meet, calendar, word processing, spreadsheet, online learning, and presentation applications either in Suites or Microsoft Office, with a medium-to-strong level of skill. These individuals are proficient in the assistive technology of their choice. The effective use of these tools will enable participants to easily access all program materials and events. These candidates will commit to an average of 3 hours per week throughout the program, as well as expending the effort and resources required to fully engage in the program. All applicants to the program will be personally notified by AFB staff of selection results.
Commitments
Blind Leaders Development Program Fellows commit to:
- Purchase “The Leadership Challenge” book from Audible or acquire it free from BookShare.
- Read "The Leadership Challenge" book and put into practice at least four of the behaviors suggested by the authors discussed during training, goal setting, and mentoring sessions.
- Attend at least 80% of virtual programming, including The Leadership Challenge training, monthly Spotlight on Success webinars, small group mentoring sessions, and Program Staff Office Hours
- Complete all assignments in Google Classroom in a timely manner.
- Prepare agenda items, and share advanced materials and questions for each small group mentoring session (at least 2 hours per month).
- Complete evaluation surveys in a timely manner
- Communicate regularly and openly with AFB staff
- Participate in all follow-up surveys after graduation for at least three years
