National Leadership Program

How much experience in the environment/climate sector do I need?

WELA welcomes women and gender diverse people working across environment, climate and sustainability issues in any role. The program is open to people working with a range of skills on diverse projects – from full time employees of large environmental not for profit organisations to volunteers in local groups, council workers, lawyers, medical professionals, scientists, consultants, union workers, government employees, entrepreneurs, business people, campaigners and more. WELA is for people who want to step into their leadership potential and who are working on positive responses to the environment and climate crisis we face.

Is this suitable for me if I am currently unemployed or studying? 

It can be if you can commit the time and fees required. WELA can be the support you need in a career or direction change. In your application, show us a passion for environment, climate and sustainability issues, tell us about where you are currently whether in volunteer, part paid, paid or student roles, and where you want to go.

Do I need a qualification in the environment sphere?

No, qualifications are not required. We recognise women and gender-diverse people come to WELA with a range of backgrounds, while sharing a common focus on environment, climate and sustainability issues. This work can be paid or unpaid.

Is there a requirement for travel? 

Yes, you need to commit to attending the two in-person retreats which form key elements of the course. They provide an opportunity to form relationships between the cohort, immersion in sessions designed to value in the face to face setting, experience presentations from guest presenters and also connection to nature and a personal retreat environment.

Can I get the best out of the course without attending the travel portions?

No, sorry. We will only select applicants who commit to attending all elements of the program, including the in-person retreats and online sessions. We understand life can change, and if unexpected circumstances arise we will support you to access as much as we can of the materials.

Will the times change for the online sessions?

We set the times for the online sessions in advance, so you can schedule them into your calendar. Note all times are AEST/AEDT. If any changes are planned throughout the course participants will be consulted. (please do make allowance for changing times as daylight savings begins and ends during the year).

What is the time commitment for the program?

The minimum commitment for the program is; 

• to attend both retreats (5 days each x 2) 
• attend 85% of the online program (14 online sessions, of 2hr each in total, minimum expectation 12 sessions) 
• initiate and attend 6 mentoring sessions (self-organised to meet your schedule)
  

See the full timetable for dates and times in the information pack.

Do I have to pay straight away?

We require a deposit payment at the beginning of the program, we can work with you (or with your workplace) on a payment plan, to allow for budgetary considerations.

I want to come but can’t afford it, what options do I have?

We don’t want cost to be a barrier stopping people from applying for the program. We have a limited range of scholarship options, as well as payment plans and you may opt to undertake fundraising support.

Can I ask my work to pay?

Yes, your engagement in the program will provide value back to your workplace. We strongly encourage your workplace to support you to be part of this program. We have a great initial opening email we can share with you, with links to our data on impact and value to your organisation.

Full fee commitment is expected from applicants working for organisations with a turn over of higher than $3m, government and private sector. WELA has resources to support your request to your organisation to cover your fee.

Can I still do the course if I don’t get a scholarship?

If you are selected for the program, we will work with you around payment and fundraising options.

If I don’t receive a scholarship do I need to fundraise by the start of the course? 

If you are fundraising for your program fee or part fee, fundraising can take place throughout the program but it is important to start immediately when the program begins. Part payment is required on course commencement.

Is there support available for fundraising?

Yes, we’ll work with you to look at opportunities to support your placement in the WELA program.

Read more in our Program Payment and Cancellation Policy

Is travel to the retreat outside the program times listed?

The retreat times listed are the days we start and finish the program. If you’re on the eastern seaboard, travel can be arranged to be early on the first day of the retreat, for those coming from other states, you may want to allow an extra day for travel either side of retreats.

Is travel included in the cost?

No, travel is not included as part of the program fee. However, we support the diversity of participants and their locations, campaigns and systemic challenges that having a truly national representation brings.

WELA can offer travel reimbursement and booking support for participants, where distance, and/or cost of travel is a barrier to involvement. Application for this will be available through our regular application form.

What happens after the program? 

WELA alumni stay strongly connected through the friendships and bonds formed during the program. You’ll come away from the program with contact details, platforms, and tools for ongoing support and connection. Each cohort will be invited to join the WELA community Slack and be connected through a private chat group. We also support your cohort to continue meeting regularly beyond completion of the program. You’re a part of the WELA Community now!

How does the support network work?

Our alumni community use Slack and WhatsApp as portals for communication and engagement. Our community can share and seek support and advice, wins and inspiration, ask hard questions, and keep up with resources to continue their WELA journey. Across Australia, WELA alumni initiate their own regular meet-ups, collaborations, and support networks. On top of that, WELA hosts regular events throughout the year as a way to keep alumni learning and engaged.

From online learning and development through our Tools for Changemakers online series, to conversations on diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality in our JEDI Learning Circles, to our WELA Connect events and gatherings, there are opportunities to stay involved with the WELA community all year round.

Can you tell me more about the curriculum?

Read more about the curriculum on our programs page.

How does WELA respond to the cohort’s needs?

From considering your initial application, through to assessing feedback, group dynamics and areas of interest we look at each unique cohort when considering speakers, guest facilitators and elements of the program.

Who are the facilitators?

Our facilitation team embodies a rich mix of backgrounds, sectors, experiences, and generations, unified by a commitment to purposeful change. Together, they create a safe environment where diverse voices connect, challenge, and inspire, modeling the interconnected leadership we strive to cultivate. While not a ‘therapy space’ the experience is transformative on a personal and professional level. Read more about the WELA team.