The Nature Conservancy: A World Where People & Nature …



2020-2021

APPLICATION PACKET

Do you believe having a healthy environment is important? Do you believe that more could be done in Oklahoma to incorporate innovative conservation practices in both cities and rural areas? Oklahoma Conservation Leadership Academy (OCLA) will identify up to 40 individuals from a competitive selection process to participate in a year-long in-depth educational experience. The chosen individuals will represent a diverse mix of Oklahoma stakeholder values and will gain an intimate knowledge of conservation practices around the state.

In addition to an increased ecological IQ, members will be challenged to apply an innovative and environmentally sustainable approach within their own community, home, or workplace. Our goal is to inspire innovation and to cultivate meaningful and lasting relationships that support solutions which provide benefit for both people and nature. Participants will receive an additional opportunity to steward their own micro-urban conservation project at their work, home, school, or within their community.

All applications must be fully completed and typed to be considered. Prior to submission, please make sure all signatures have been executed and two references have been listed. Please email meghan.raleigh@ the completed application along with your headshot or fun photograph that captures your personality. This photo will be used in the member directory if you are selected. Before the application can be considered, an application fee of $25 must be included. Deadline for submission is March 27, 2020.

How are the final 40 participants selected?

Our selection team will evaluate all applicants based on diversity of geography, industry, level of passion, ability to impact change and future growth. Our class size is limited to 40 individuals and will be balanced with members from around the state. A successful class has members from various sectors, industries, and at various stages of their professional career. This is a selective process and not all will be accepted. If you are not selected and choose to reapply the following year, special consideration will be given.

What are the costs and what does it include?

Oklahoma Conservation Leadership Academy tuition is $2,500.00 (the application fee is not part of the tuition). Tuition covers the following:

• Orientation overnight (lodging, food, activities, materials)

• All program materials

• Meals during all meetings

• Printing of end-of-year report

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting locations around the state.

Tuition must be paid in full by April 17, 2020. There will be no refunds given once tuition is paid.

What we expect from our participants:

We require all members to attend the overnight orientation. Additionally, all members must attend no less than 80% of all meetings. There will be 11 scheduled meetings throughout the year. See the Class Agenda on the next page for a full list of event themes and dates.

2020-2021

CLASS AGENDA

April 16-17, 2020 | Orientation Overnight

The orientation is a mandatory, two-day, one-night, outing where participants will meet each other, TNC team members, and begin to develop a wide foundation for the years learning. Hotel and food expenses are covered; however, participants are responsible for getting to and from the Orientation site.

May 21, 2020 | Lunch-and-learn #1 – Oklahoma Natural History

Oklahoma is one of the most biodiverse states in the country with many unique ecoregions. Because of this uniqueness, it makes understanding the way they come together even more important. In this session you will gain greater insight into the natural history of Oklahoma.

June 18, 2020 | Field Trip #1 — Grassland Conservation and Fire

Visit the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve to learn about the interplay between fire and grassland conservation. The management of the prairies is the management of combustion. On this trip you will learn about the various forms of combustion that are necessary for grassland conservation.

July 16, 2020 | Lunch-and-learn #2—Urban Conservation

By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s 10 billion people will live in urban areas. This population growth is rapidly increasing demand for natural resources that provide people with the food, water, and energy needed to thrive. Learn about projects happening around you that you can join in on and how you can develop your own conservation habitat project.

August 20, 2020 | Field Trip #2—Urban Conservation in Action

Cities- with their density and efficiency- can become places that alleviate the development and resource pressures on untouched natural landscapes. They can lead the way in developing and implementing nature-based solutions to create cities that are greener and more resilient in the face of a changing climate. See what urban-based locations are doing to increase habitat for biodiversity, improve ecosystem services, and engage stakeholders in nature so that both people and nature can thrive.

September 17, 2020 | Lunch-and-learn #3—Providing Food and Water Sustainably

To provide the food and water people need without sacrificing the environment, TNC is working with farmers, ranchers, fishers, and water managers to create sustainable supplies, reduce negative environmental impacts, promote economic growth and green supply chains, and create policies that enable sustainability. Learn about land management and best practices from Oklahoma experts and learn about what Oklahoman’s are doing to help provide food and water sustainably.

October 15, 2020 | Field Trip #3 – Watershed Health

Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer is an example of successful conservation advocacy. Join us for a tour of the Blue River which is one of the critical beneficiaries of SB 288 which provides limits on water usage and ensures water quantity for the aquatic species that call the Blue River home.

November 19, 2020 | Lunch-and-learn #4 – Climate Change Panel Discussion

Climate change is deemed one of the greatest threats to conservation by scientists. This session will focus on what is being done today and what can still be done right here in Oklahoma.

January 21, 2021 | Field Trip #4 – Soil Health in Action

Take a trip to a local farm to see how best practices in soil health are improving our ability to deliver sustainable food and help us tackle climate change.

February 18, 2021 | Workshop

Participants will meet for an all-day work session to present your final report to the OCLA classmates and select TNC staff. This report will include your summary of your experience, outstanding concepts from the year, and how you plan to use the experience/relationships to increase conservation outcomes within your sphere of influence.

March 18, 2021 | Ambassador Breakfast

The ambassador breakfast will be your formal “graduation” from the program as a conservation Ambassador.

2020-2021

CONFIDENTIAL APPLICATION

FULL LEGAL NAME __________________________________________________________________________________

Last First Middle (Preferred)

HOME ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________________________________

Street City County Zip Code

TELEPHONE (Home) __________________________ CELL ______________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________________________________

EMERGENCY CONTACT, RELATIONSHIP AND CELL PHONE_______________________________________

Top of Form

DATE OF BIRTH _____________________ PLACE OF BIRTH_______________________ MALE ☐ FEMALE ☐

Bottom of Form

Month Day Year

ETHNICITY _________________________ ARE YOU A U.S. CITIZEN? YES ☐ NO ☐

# OF YEARS AS AN OKLAHOMA RESIDENT? ________

NAME OF LOCAL NEWSPAPER (TO BE USED FOR PRESS RELEASE) _________________________________

OCCUPATION/VOCATION

INDUSTRY__________________________________________________________________________________________

EMPLOYER/ORGANIZATION__________________________________________________________________________

PRESENT TITLE _______________________________________________________ DATE OF HIRE _______________

BUSINESS ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________________________

Street or P.O. Box City County Zip Code

TELEPHONE (Business) ___________________________

PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS (Begin with the most recent and list three here, if appropriate)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer Title Location Dates of Employment

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer Title Location Dates of Employment

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer Title Location Dates of Employment

EDUCATION

Begin with high school Dates

Name and Location of School (from - to) Degree Major

________________________________ _________________________ _____________ ____________________

________________________________ _________________________ _____________ ____________________

________________________________ _________________________ _____________ ____________________

________________________________ _________________________ _____________ ____________________

If accepted in OCLA each participant, financial sponsor, and/or employer will be billed for the tuition fee of $2,500, which covers all program costs, orientation lodging and meals.

Who will be responsible for paying the tuition? ☐ Self-funded ☐ Employer funded ☐ Other

If other, please explain who ______________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

First Name Last Name Phone Email

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

First Name Last Name Phone Email

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Please write a brief (no more than one page) statement of why you are applying, what you hope to get out of the experience, and how are you going to use the experience to give back to your community. We want to know what feeds your interest.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AND AGREEMENT

I have applied to participate in the Oklahoma Conservation Leadership Academy (OCLA) which is a program offered by The Nature Conservancy. If accepted as a participant in the Program, I understand and agree as follows:

Completion and submission of this application does not ensure my acceptance in the Program.

2. I understand and agree with the mission, vision and values of The Nature Conservancy and will adhere to the same standard while participating in OCLA activities.

3. It is mandatory that I attend a minimum of nine of the eleven sessions of the Program.

(a) Attendance is mandatory for the successful completion of the Program. Missing any part of the opening two-day retreat will result in the participant being withdrawn from the Program; no exceptions. Missing more than the equivalent of two of the remaining sessions will result in the participant being withdrawn from the Program.

(b) I represent that I am available to and will participate in the opening retreat. In the event I learn that I cannot do so, I will immediately withdraw my application or will withdraw from my participation in the Program.

(c) I understand that tuition is nonrefundable and if, for any reason, I withdrawal or am removed, I will forfeit all tuition.

4. My participation in OCLA is voluntary and I assume all risk associated with my participation in OCLA activities, including all risk of damage, loss or injury.

(a) I waive any claim or cause of action that I might have against The Nature Conservancy, and its officers, directors, employees, and agents, by reason of any damage, loss, or injury I might suffer by reason of my participation in the Program. I agree not to sue The Nature Conservancy, and its officers, directors, employees, and agents, and release them and hold them harmless from any liability they may happen to me arising from my participation in OCLA.

(b) I agree to indemnify The Nature Conservancy, and its officers, directors, employees, and agents, by reason of any damage, loss, or injury I might cause to others by reason of my participation in the Program. I agree to reimburse or make good any damage, loss, or expense incurred by The Nature Conservancy, and to satisfy any judgment against The Nature Conservancy, and its officers, directors, employees, and agents, including attorneys’ fees and costs, that may be taken against them by reason of my participation in the Program.

5. I understand that in the course of the Program, newsletters, public service announcements, newspaper and magazine articles, website features and videos may be used to promote The Nature Conservancy. I give to The Nature Conservancy, its nominees, agents and assigns unlimited permission to use, publish and republish for purposes of advertising and trade for such use as it may determine, information and reproduction of my likeness (photographic and otherwise) and voice related to participation in OCLA.

Applicant’s signature ________________________________________________ Date _____________________

Supervisor’s name and position: _________________________________________________________________

Supervisor’s signature: _______________________________________________ Date____________________

(The supervisor signature verifies that this application has the approval of the supervisor and the applicant has the full support and commitment of his/her employing organization, which includes the time required to participated in the Program.)

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