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. The program is open to people working with a range of skills on diverse projects – from full time employees of large environmental non-governmental organisations to volunteers in local groups, council workers, lawyers, medical professionals, scientists, union workers, campaigners and more. WELA is for people who want to step into their leadership potential and who are working towards a positive response to the environment and climate crisis we currently face in any capacity.

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

It can be, 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, we do ask for you to be working on projects that cross 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 (located in Seymour, Victoria) which form key elements of the course. They provide opportunity to form relationships between the cohort, immersion in sessions designed to value that people are face to face, 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 demonstrate a commitment to attending all elements of the program, including the in-person retreats. 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 ito 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 are the 2023 key dates I need to be available for?

All applicants must be available to attend all key dates.

Applications close Monday, 6 March 2023.

Do I have to pay straight away?

We encourage payment at the beginning of the program, but 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 range of scholarship options. 

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 scholarship 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, fundraising can take place throughout the program.

Is there support available for fundraising?

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

Can I ask my work to pay?

We strongly encourage 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.

Is travel to the retreat outside the program times listed?

The retreat times listed are the days/time we start and finish at Commonground, Seymour, Victoria. If you’re on the eastern seaboard we can usually arrange your travel to be on the 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?

Yes, travel is included in the cost, and will be organised for you by our program team.

What happens after the program? 

You will build a strong network and relationships with your cohort, you’ll come away from the program with contact details and platforms for support like our Slack community. We will support your group to consider opportunities for regular meetups. You’re a part of the WELA Community now!

How does the support network work?

Our community utilises Slack as a portal for communication and engagement. Our community can share and seek support and advice, wins and inspiration, ask hard questions and keep up with resources that will continue the WELA journey.

WELA holds regular events (like our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion learning circle), offering the opportunity to connect with different women with experiences in the environment/climate sector.

Across Australia, WELA alumni initiate their own regular dinners and create opportunities to meet. Many of our WELA alumni are strongly connected through creating opportunities to work together and through friendship formed during the program.

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 the whole cohort when considering speakers, guest facilitators and elements of the program. 

Who are the facilitators?

Our facilitation team includes Dr Louise Duxbury, National Program Lead and Asmaa Guedira, Program Producer. The national program is supported by Victoria McKenzie-McHarg, WELA Strategic Director and Dr. Sue Lewis, WELA Board member and founder. Read more about the WELA team.