Progressive Leadership Initiative

We are dedicated to the proactive leadership development of young people to lead movements for social justice.

What do we do?

The Progressive Leadership Initiative aims to expand the leadership potential of diverse young people through research, peer educational programs, and personalized leadership coaching.

Our team of researchers and seasoned leadership coaches is dedicated to collaborating with emerging youth leaders in entry to mid-level roles within civic and social justice non-profit organizations.

Our goal is to support emerging leaders in transcending self-limiting beliefs and realizing their greatest potential.

Through providing comprehensive educational resources and tailored coaching, we will empower individuals, nurturing their agency, confidence, and aptitude for effective leadership.

What is leadership?

The Progressive Leadership Initiative defines leadership as the practice of moving ourselves and others to take intentional action on what we become aware of, in the pursuit of fairness, dignity, and joy.

We believe leadership is something we practice, like playing a sport or musical instrument. PLIEF exists to strengthen the practice of leadership within the progressive movement.

One trait that defines leadership is the idea of moving ourselves and others into action. When we become aware of injustice—in the workplace, in our relationships, or in our community—leaders bring people together to make change at every level. We believe everyone has the potential to practice leadership every day because we all witness injustice every day.

Leadership is intimately bound to the pursuit of fairness, dignity, and joy. Our practice of leadership must make the world a better place.

What is coaching?

An extensive body of research points to the effectiveness of coaching as a key component of leadership development.

Check out these peer-reviewed research papers that make a strong case for coaching:

Yet, despite overwhelming evidence that coaching builds durable leadership pipelines, it remains an undervalued, underfunded tool in youth organizing.

Born out of our years of organizing work, PLIEF’s intergenerational, multi-racial Coaching Team brings over 50 years of combined experience developing social justice leaders.

We create safe + non-judgmental spaces for leaders to explore their goals and challenges, and deepen their awareness of their emotions, thoughts, and subsequent actions. From a place of deeper awareness, leaders can move in closer alignment with their values & full leadership potential.

What are people saying?

Lead With Us

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Lead With Us ~

Doing this program impacted multiple areas of my life; not only did I become a better leader, but also a more thoughtful friend, coworker, and family member. PLIEF prepares young people to navigate through the world with a more curious and compassionate perspective, that will in return positively impact the people the members of this program come into contact with.

Natalie, 24

This coaching program gave me insight to where I thought I was, where I actually am, and what I want to go as far as my leadership journey. It gave me a deeper understanding into what I’m doing, what I’m doing wrong, and what I could be doing better in my professional, problem-solving, and all-around team building skills. Coming out of this program I think that I am stronger in the way I actively listen and in the way I coach and motivate people this program also allowed me to strengthen my critical thinking skills when it comes to problem-solving.

Madison, 26

Being a part of this peer coaching group really supported my personal reflection & growth with regard to my leadership methods and techniques! I now actively practice coaching when meeting with staff which is supporting my team members in becoming stronger leaders & problem solvers themselves!

Ava, 25