JustLead Washington’s signature program is the Leadership Academy, an intensive cohort-based experience designed to build a broad network of community leaders who can effectively and collaboratively work toward equity and justice with low-income and marginalized individuals and communities in Washington. Leadership Academy Fellows are drawn from organizations working within the civil, criminal, and juvenile justice systems as well as community-based social justice organizations.
Since its inception, the Leadership Academy has graduated 240 fellows who are driving transformative work across the state and throughout the region. These leaders are advancing equity, justice, and systemic change in their communities and organizations.
The Program at a Glance
The Leadership Academy and JustLead aim toward a society where everyone “belongs” within what Professor john a. powell has called the Circle of Human Concern as full members of society, without exception. As such, our curriculum expressly focuses on increasing understanding of the ways in which poverty, bias, and oppression intersect and create harm, particularly within low-income communities and marginalized communities.
The Academy’s core curriculum was initially developed in partnership with the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law and is designed specifically to enhance the adaptive leadership capacity of advocates and organizations working toward equity and justice within Washington State.
The Leadership Academy is NOT about positional authority, but rather, it’s about a person’s deep commitment to actively engage in powerful leadership behaviors, regardless of their current role. Cohorts include Fellows serving in organizations addressing a wide range of equity and justice issues in Washington such as Alliance for Equal Justice (civil legal aid), criminal justice, and juvenile justice organizations; legal advocacy organizations; public sector agencies; and community-based organizations.
“I have so much to learn still, but Leadership Academy introduced me to something I did not know existed. Now that I do – I want more.”
Leadership Academy Alum
Cohort Learning, Transformative Learning, and Andragogy
Cohort-based learning involves grouping participants to progress through a program together, fostering a sense of community and shared learning experiences. This approach enhances peer support and collaboration, as participants engage in group discussions, team projects, and shared problem-solving activities. Unlike self-paced or individual learning, cohort-based models emphasize collective engagement, allowing learners to benefit from diverse perspectives and mutual encouragement. Key factors contributing to its effectiveness include the development of trust among participants, increased motivation through social interaction, and the establishment of professional networks that extend beyond the program’s duration.1
Adult learning theories, such as Andragogy and Transformative Learning, highlight the importance of designing educational experiences that align with the unique needs of adult learners. Adult learning theories, such as Andragogy and Transformative Learning, highlight the importance of designing educational experiences that align with the unique needs of adult learners. Adult learning theories, such as Andragogy and Transformative Learning, highlight the importance of designing educational experiences that align with the unique needs of adult learners.2 Andragogy focuses on self-directed learning, experiential activities, and the immediate applicability of knowledge to real-world situations.
In contrast, transformative learning, centers on critical reflection and perspective transformation, enabling learners to reassess and potentially change their fundamental beliefs and assumptions. While both theories prioritize learner-centered approaches, andragogy emphasizes practical application and relevance, whereas transformative learning highlights deep cognitive and emotional shifts through critical reflection.3
Program Structure
The Leadership Academy is a year-long program designed to provide participants with an immersive and comprehensive learning experience. Over the course of the year, Fellows take part in four retreats — two in-person and two virtual. Each retreat spans 2 to 3 days and is designed to create space for deep connection, learning, and practice.
During off-weeks, fellows participate in peer support workshops, readings, coaching sessions, and additional learning opportunities.
To support ongoing professional development, many sessions are eligible for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit that align with Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) requirements.
Leadership Academy: Peer Support Program
The Peer Support Program, which is a key element of the Leadership Academy, enhances the standard training sessions by incorporating a series of workshops led by alumni facilitators. These workshops, held between the regular retreats, provide valuable insights into leadership, storytelling, and the importance of clearly communicating strategic intent. By sharing their experiences, alumni help current fellows better understand how these elements can drive effective and sustainable system transformation, further enriching their leadership journey.
“I am starting to show up differently, embracing leadership with more comfort, and taking a more proactive stance in advocating for equity…”
Leadership Academy Alum
Sources
- Allen, S. J., Rosch, D. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2022). Advancing Leadership Education and Development: Integrating Adult Learning Theory. Journal of Management Education, 46(2), 252–283. https://doi.org/10.1177/10525629211008645
- Abeni, E.-A. (2020). Andragogy: A Theory in Practice in Higher Education. Journal of Research in Higher Education, 4(2), 54–69. https://doi.org/10.24193/JRHE.2020.2.4
- Pappas, C. (2023). The Adult Learning Theory—Andragogy—Of Malcolm Knowles. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles