In early 2008 the CSWE Leadership Institute was developed by the Council on Leadership Development (CLD) with support from the Commission on Professional Development (COPD). It was approved by the CSWE Board of Directors in May 2008. During 2008–2009 the Institute’s three initiatives were launched. All three were designed to promote future leaders in social work education, higher education, and the social work profession.
Initiative 1 is the launch of the CSWE Leadership Institute in Social Work Education (LISWE) at the 2009 Annual Program Meeting (APM).
Initiative 2 is the launch of the CSWE Leadership Scholars in Social Work Education Program (LSSEP), which took place at the 2009 APM. LSSEP was designed to attract a cohort of 12–15 future leaders and provide them with targeted education, training, and mentoring.
Initiative 3, the CSWE Leadership Networking Reception (LNR), was launched at the 2008 APM in partnership with the New York Academy of Medicine Social Work Leadership Institute. In conjunction with the LSSEP initiative, this networking reception was implemented to support, encourage, and honor new leadership in the profession.
The CLD is the volunteer body responsible for the administrative guidance and promotion of the CSWE Leadership Institute. The Council is responsible for policy-setting for programs and services related to the development of leaders in social work education. The CLD is part of the COPD.