The Chinook Program is the premier development program for leadership in the public interest in western North America. This six-day resident event is scheduled from Sunday, October 3 until Friday, October 8, 2021.

Based on a tradition started in 1989 at the University of Oregon, the Chinook Program brings top level elected and career officials from all walks of public, not-for-profit, and community life together for a week of intense learning and discovery.

Top level faculty from university and consulting realms provide a remarkable learning experience that can only be described at life-changing. The Chinook Program helps leaders grow in their knowledge, strength, wisdom, courage, and impact.

Positions for the event are limited so please fill out our electronic application and apply early. You can also download the Chinook 2021 Program Flyer (PDF).

The Program helps participants learn about:

INDIVIDUAL TRANSFORMATION AND LEADERSHIP
Self-awareness of one’s personality, skills, and strengths will help define leadership strengths and potential. Putting these in the context of working in diverse teams and relationships creates greater skills in building powerful, motivated teams.
UNDERSTANDING CATALYTIC LEADERSHIP
Gain insight into leading successfully through the complex issues facing civic and public organizations where no single person or organization can act truly independently.
CREATING AND LEADING TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE
Moving organizations and communities through difficult change can be hard, but it is necessary in a quickly changing world. Organizations, be they public or private, who don’t stay out in front of change will be rendered irrelevant in time.
REACHING AGREEMENTS
Leadership without forging agreements that cross difficult barriers is destined to fail in the interconnected world. Participants, through role play and analysis of examples, will learn new skills focused on winning through mutual gain, not winning be beating the other party.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP
The imperative for leadership will be explored. Having leadership skills is one thing. Having the motivation, passion, and drive to use them is another. Participants will focus on what they can bring to the table, why that is important, and how they can best express that in their leadership roles.
STRUCTURES FOR SUCCESS
Understanding the power of relationships, vision, aspiration, and focus. Looking to proven, successful leadership for insight, skills and wisdom.
TYING IT TOGETHER TO MAKE IT WORK
Building on the imperative for leadership, the program closes with a deep look at the framework for applying the skills learned, and creating a context for applying those skills as new wisdom and action in the real world.