Southeast Elected Leader Academy
STRONGER LEADERS.
BRIGHTER COMMUNITIES.
The Southeast Elected Leader Academy (SELA) is an interactive leadership development program designed to strengthen the skills, connections, and effectiveness of elected officials, appointed leaders, and emerging civic leaders across Southeast Nebraska.
Developed through 6 Regions, One Nebraska in partnership with Doane University and regional leaders, SELA combines practical leadership education, peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and applied experiences designed to help participants better serve their communities.
A Stronger Southeast Nebraska
OPEN TO LEADERS IN 15 COUNTIES
Cass, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, and York.
APPROXIMATELY 20 PARTICIPANTS
Twenty participants will be selected for the inaugural 2027 cohort.
Low Cost to Participate
Only $200 to participate.
APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 4, 2026
Applicants selected for the inaugural cohort will be notified the week of December 14.
2027 ACADEMY SCHEDULE
FOUR IN-PERSON SESSIONS | THREE VIRTUAL DISCUSSIONS
TWO ONE-ON-ONE PEER MENTORSHIP CONVERSATIONS
Participants are expected to actively engage throughout the Academy, including attendance at the four in-person sessions.
January 13th: The Basics
8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Crete
Public service, ethics, community development, capacity for change, and the role of local leaders in building successful communities.
February 17th: Peer-to-Peer Book Discussion
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Virtual
Community and economic development, the role of local leaders in creating competitive communities, and applying lessons from
Economic Development is Still Not for Amateurs.
February - April: Peer Mentorship Conversation
Participant Scheduled
Why Do I Lead?
One-on-one reflection on the decision to serve, leadership experiences, difficult decisions, and lessons learned.
April 14th: Communication
12:00–4:00 p.m. | Lincoln
Building a community growth mindset, public speaking, community engagement, effective communication, and media and social media strategies.
May 12th: Peer-to-Peer Book Discussion
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Virtual
Civic engagement, community culture, civic pride, and addressing civic apathy through a discussion of:
Your City is Sick.
May - July: Peer Mentorship Conversation
Participant Scheduled
How Can I Lead More Effectively?
One-on-one discussion of current leadership challenges, communication, collaboration, community relationships, and personal leadership growth.
July 14th: Civic Engagement
12:00–4:00 p.m. | Beatrice
Citizen engagement, community buy-in, government and community partnerships, collaboration, consensus building, and applied problem-solving.
August 11th: Leadership Roundtable
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Virtual
Participant-driven discussion of emerging community challenges, leadership lessons, practical ideas, and peer-to-peer problem solving.
October 13th: Effective Local Leadership and Graduation
12:00–4:00 p.m. | Lincoln
Developing future leaders, turning ideas into action, participant leadership showcases, collaborative problem-solving, applied leadership, and graduation.
