Over the course of the year, the cohort will meet in-person five times for learning intensives, take a learning trip to Washington, D.C., gather virtually in months when we do not meet in person, and participate in six self-designed local action projects. There will be some required preparation before each gathering.
Learning Intensives
Learning Intensives (LIs) are one of the core elements of PLPL. Each LI requires preparation before it begins; most often, readings or viewings pertaining to the next public issue we will address. Each LI includes time for worship, processing with peers, learning from leaders in the public sphere, undertaking theological reflection, and developing leadership capacities. There will be six in-person LIs each held from 6pm on Sunday evening through 2pm on Wednesday afternoon, except for the trip to Washington, D.C. Cohort members are required to be present for the entirety of each LI.
Virtual Learning Sessions
On the months when we are not meeting in person, we will have a 2-hour virtual gathering. We will typically meet on Thursday mornings. During a virtual gathering we will process local actions in small groups and engage in lively discussion about how to apply what we're learning in our congregations. Cohort members are required to be present for each virtual gathering.
Self-Directed Learning: Local Action Projects
Your growth in broadening your vision of public life, increasing your competence to reflect theologically on public life, and gaining confidence in leadership will not happen solely through participation in Learning Intensives and Virtual Gatherings. Your growth also requires experimentation, practice, and reflection. PLPL provides one main structure to encourage and support on-the-ground action and reflection: Local Actions. Through Local Action projects, you will take a step at the edge of your comfort zone by engaging with civic leaders and with public issues relevant to your community. Examples of Local Actions include meeting with a city council member or school superintendent, attending regional planning or interfaith council meetings, and a variety of other creative options. A written Local Action Report will be required six times over the course of the program. You will have the freedom to design your own Local Action.