Questions You May Consider Ahead of Completing the New Leaders Training Application
How might I describe what my SEED group could be to someone who is not familiar with it?
SEED is a peer-facilitated seminar for the people in our organization who will meet in ongoing sessions to engage in structured conversations on equity and diversity. These conversations will include the sharing of personal stories while also considering outside printed and video resources. The ultimate goal is to illuminate ways we can bring our just and equitable selves to our organization so as to support it in becoming more equitable and just. This equity and justice is shown through both our interpersonal interactions within the organization and through our policies and procedures in community and global settings
What kind of institutions apply to SEED?
SEED originally attracted educators from P-12 schools. Presently, SEED attracts and supports community members, educators, administrators, and parents, from all educational (public, independent, charter, religious, N-20, higher ed, etc.) and community organizations that aim to offer more equitable spaces and practices.
Will SEED come and do diversity sessions for us?
A SEED Seminar or Group is a peer-led, ongoing facilitated conversation, meaning it is structured to be led by internal community members over a period of time. This model effectively ensures that the growth and change that takes place at both an individual and institutional level is generated thoughtfully from within. While some SEED leaders do conduct SEED-inspired diversity sessions, SEED is most effective as a program when the practices that have been tested and applied for over 30 years are housed thoughtfully and directly in your organization or community through SEED seminars conducted by your facilitators. SEED believes that an institution’s or community’s members know the most about what their needs are, and the application of that knowledge is what makes SEED transformational for organizations.
Occasionally SEED co-directors or staff will engage with communities and institutions working toward justice - especially those communities and institutions that have trained SEED Leaders or are planning to send members to training.
Please see our Apply Now page.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If You Are Seeking a Scholarship
SEED is committed to partnering with communities, organizations, and institutions who demographically reflect our broader world. Toward this end, SEED has always worked to provide scholarships through our own grant writing and fundraising on our own and as well as in collaboration with partner sites in order to support both diversifying our cohorts and ensuring that those further from social justice are able to attend. We are working to be more open about our scholarship process to further this goal. For instance, all public schools are automatically eligible for a $2000 scholarship as are non-profit organizations with annual budgets under $250,000. Please note that all communities, organizations, and institutions are welcome to apply for scholarships, and we do grant scholarships of different sizes.
For cohorts 37 A, B, C, and D in 2023, the fee for a partner that is a public institution or public-facing community organization is $4000 per participant. The fee for a private institution or for-profit partner is $6000 per participant. Partners may apply for additional scholarships based on the community they serve (e.g. the % of students of color or students receiving full/reduced price meals)
The scholarship portion of the Site Support Form must be completed by someone authorized to approve and receive funding and to support all aspects of the SEED seminar, including finances, logistics, and promotion of equitable education in the proposed SEED site. We must receive the scholarship portion (located within) and the Site Support Form from the designated site support person, as well as a completed New Leaders Application from each person who wishes to become a SEED leader.
The basic criteria for scholarships are:
- The partner site's capacity and commitment to host a SEED seminar for at least two years following receipt of the scholarship.
- The partner site's commitment is that if the SEED seminar does not occur, the partner will owe the total amount of the scholarship to the SEED Project.
- Scholarships will be awarded based on demonstrated financial need, diversity in terms of marginalized populations, and public mission of the site.
We anticipate that total scholarships will range from $1000 to $4000 per person, bringing the overall cost per participant to $2000-$5000 per applicant..
Questions You May Have As You Complete the New Leaders Training Application
SEED applicants are committed to engaging in meaningful and productive conversations centered on diversity, inclusion, and equity. SEED leaders include educators, administrators, community organizers, administrators, parents, social workers, and educational consultants, among others.
Do you give scholarships to attend New Leaders Training?
Yes, SEED provides a limited number of scholarships to eligible institutions, community and nonprofit organizations. See above under If You Are Seeking a Scholarship
Why is there a character limit on some application questions, and what if I have more to say?
One aspect of SEED work is developing our personal stories and aiming to make them specific and clear. A character limit not only helps start this process, it aims to be considerate of both the applicant’s time as well as that of the SEED staff reviewing applications.
Why do I have to name what audience I intend for SEED?
Because part of the acceptance process to New Leaders Training includes the commitment of each new leader to facilitate a SEED seminar, it is important to Training, you will determine how best to introduce and implement SEED at your specific institution. Having an idea of your SEED membership will help you focus on which methods will best support your intention and environment.
SEED facilitation is not only about the conversation; it is also about the space, tech support and resources that support that conversation. Many in person SEED sessions include either food or beverages. Some virtual SEED Seminars are supported by send-ahead materials such as notebooks or art supplies, and articles or books, all of which aim to support participants as they engage in their growth-orientated seminars over time.
What if I don’t have an approving administrator?
You must have an approving administrator to attend New Leaders Training. Facilitation of a SEED seminar is a significant undertaking and successful implementation needs administrative support. Administrator approval to attend New Leaders Training also indicates support of building a more diverse and equitable community, contributing organizational finances, coordinating calendars, and encouraging recruitment of participants to the SEED seminar. With clear administrative support, the SEED leader can focus on creating and sustaining the SEED seminar.
What if I’m the only one from my school approved to attend a New Leaders Training? May I come alone?
While co-facilitation is modeled during New Leaders Training, a SEED seminar can be successfully facilitated by a solo SEED leader. At New Leaders Training, all SEED leaders will be connected to the extensive SEED leader network, which is accessible through a variety of means: social media, a SEED leaders-only website, and regional SEED leader networks, to name a few. A solo facilitator will find many ways to connect to other SEED leaders which will aid in session development, resource sharing, and more.
Often, once a SEED seminar is started at an institution, that institution will generate more SEED leaders. As an institution expands its number of SEED leaders, it is able to diversify its SEED groups in any number of ways: supporting co-facilitation models, offering concurrent groups at once, or expanding its audience by creating new types of groups. Any leader coming from an institution with already established SEED leader(s) should open discussion with them about how multiple leaders can be implemented at your institution for most effective support and growth of your community.
What are your policies on refunds, switching participants, and deferrals?
Please see this page.