North East Leadership School

Developing UU Leaders With Vision!

This summer (2009) will be my second year at NELS. Both as a lay leader and as a minister, I have had the benefit and pleasure of working with NELS grads for nearly two decades. Historically, the congregation I now serve makes it a priority to include in their budget the funds to send two fellowship members to NELS annually, and there is little doubt in my mind that we are stronger for it. I feel honored and delighted to be a part of the NELS staff!

I came to NELS in part because I was infatuated with the thought of being in retreat on Cape Cod with a bunch of interesting people for a week in the summer, and NELS more than lived up to my expectations. There is something both enlightening and invigorating about being in community for a whole week with a group that shares your values and is committed to the same principles for living as you are. I had been to many leadership training programs before NELS, and discovered that at NELS one moves leadership from head to heart. I learned again that no task is more important than the people involved and no result is ever more important than the process. NELS gives you time and space to embrace these ideas. And then there's time for thinking and talking about a personal creed in Credo Group. It's like writing your own prayer for living. What could be better than that??

I am grateful to have been a member of NELS class of 2007. It was a very moving and transformational experience. It helped me to find the continuity between the spiritual and secular parts of my life. I've been able to apply the spiritual leadership practices to all aspects of my life.

I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the NELS staff. I enjoyed working with the participants last year as they ventured on the journey, and now I look forward to greeting this year’s class. I hope to see you there!

I attended NELS in 2007 as the only representative from my congregation, and had no idea what to expect. In that one week I experienced growth, challenge, and fun. It felt a bit like attending summer camp, a spiritual retreat, and leadership training all in one. My attending NELS gave me a greater awareness of my spirituality and leadership ability, and affected me such that upon my return home, I was a more capable leader in my congregation as well as in all other aspects of my life. NELS is an extraordinary week for anyone willing and able to accept the opportunity. I feel blessed to be a part of the NELS 2009 staff and I eagerly wait to guide you on your own journey.