July 28 – July 30, 2025 in Eau Claire
Our strength as a state union lies within the strength of each and every local. This year we will be in-person at UW-Eau Claire.
The Summer Leadership Academy is meant to offer both knowledge and skills to local leaders in their work with members, the community, administration, elected leaders, and the students they serve on a day-to-day basis. We know that the work accomplished within a local is accomplished by elected and non-elected leaders alike. Regardless of their title, these are the individuals that are leading the profession. We invite ALL leaders to join us. Please note that there is a $25 registration fee for each attendee to help offset the cost of the event. If you have questions/concerns about this fee please feel free to contact WEAC.
We strongly encourage you to register a team of leaders for this retreat-style event, though not all team members need to attend the same level of training. We strive to create training opportunities that best fit your local needs. Even if you are unable to gather an entire team to attend, we still encourage you to attend by yourself. We will do our best to pair you with other locals that are similar to yours to ensure you are able to collaborate around common issues.
There are three levels of training, designed around seven core competencies, to meet your needs. These competencies include: advocacy, communication, governance and leadership, leading our professions, organizing, social emotional intelligence, and strategy and fiscal health. If you are attending Summer Leadership Academy for the first time, we recommend you sign up for Level 1.
Level 1: Foundational
Leadership of Self
This level is designed for those who are beginning their involvement in their local association and/or have never attended Summer Leadership Academy before. Participants will begin their leadership journey in the association and be prepared to lead in the seven core competencies. Local teams will create a membership recruitment and retention plan as part of the event.
Level 2: Mobilizing and Power Building
Leadership of Others
This level is designed for those who have been doing work with their local association for some time and have experience OR for those who have attended a past WEAC Summer Leadership Academy at the Foundational Level (level 1). Participants will continue their leadership journey to lead others through the seven core competencies. Local teams will assess their strength and build a plan for strengthening their local affiliates.
Level 3 : Agenda Driving
Leadership of the Organization
This level is designed for those who have been doing work with their local association for some time and have a great deal of experience OR for those who have attended a past WEAC Summer Leadership Academy at the Mobilizing and Power Building (level 2). Participants will build on and work to sustain an organizational culture of professionalism and reflective practice that illustrates the commitment to continuous improvement on the leadership journey for their local association through the seven core competencies. Level 3 is built around a local team creating a long-term strategic plan for their local association.