New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI)

The New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) is the premier leadership development program in the Greater New Orleans Region. NORLI is open to a broad spectrum of community leaders representing business, labor, education, healthcare, the military, government, non-profit, and civic organizations. The NORLI experience affects each graduate in a different way. Synergies and connections between alumni have led to wonderful partnerships. Elements of the Leadership Program Focus On: Community Education: Educating participants about the community’s characteristics, culture, systems, opportunities, needs and issues. Skill Enhancement: Developing participants’ skills in areas such as collaboration, negotiation, coalition building, deeper understanding of self and others. Trusteeship/Leadership: Fostering a deep appreciation of the moral dimension of community leadership; the fundamental meaning of holding the community “in trust.” NORLI participants get an unparalleled opportunity to meet with the region’s leaders during their one-year experience. The year begins with a two-day opening retreat which provides a series of exercises and enlightening segments designed to get people talking and thinking in new ways. Seven educational sessions are then held throughout the 10-parish area. Participants hear from the area’s leaders on important topics such as education, crime, and the environment. It is a unique and fascinating “classroom” that provides insights about the important issues facing our community. Every session includes presentations, panels, and interactive hands on exercises to get participants thinking and working on solutions to the problems and challenges about which they are learning. By the two-day closing retreat, it is evident that new connections have been formed and that these friendships will continue on for years to come. The hope of future regional cooperation and collaboration becomes a viable reality for each class.