2026 CALS Program Application

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Center for the Advancement of Leadership (CALS) program which will take place from October 4th to 8th, 2026.

Each year, officials from the CSG South region gather for the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS).

This select group of elected or appointed members of state legislative, judicial, and executive branches will receive training to enhance their leadership and communication skills from a variety of experts in communication, conflict resolution, consensus building and critical decision-making.

In addition to developing and enhancing leadership skills, the program provides participants a unique opportunity to foster connections, engage in conversations, and take part in sessions designed to explore individual boundaries and perceptions. And we also have A LOT of fun!

The deadline for submission is July 24th, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.

Important: This form may time out while you are filling it out. We highly recommend that you save your answers on a Word Doc and copy them into the form to avoid your progress being lost. There is also a save button at the very end of the form that will save your progress, allowing you to finish the form later.

Best of luck to you!

Personal Information
Full Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Preferred Name (if different from above)

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Ethnicity *
Gender *
Mobile Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Preferred E-mail*
Secondary E-mail
Preferred Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Facebook or personal blog/website
X (formerly known as Twitter) Handle
LinkedIn Profile

Professional Information
State*
Your current title (non-legislative)
Your current title (legislative)
Agency/Department Name (if applicable)
Branch of Government *
Party Affiliation *
Start Date in your role/year elected or re-elected/year appointed or re-appointed*

DayMonthYear
Email of administrative assistant (if applicable)

Short Response Questions
In these short response questions, we ask you to be concise and direct as well as explanatory. This is an opportunity to allow us to get to know you as a public servant and as an individual, and these answers provide valuable supplemental information to your submitted documention.
Can you share an example of a professional challenge you faced and how it contributed to your personal growth? What steps did you take to overcome it, and what lessons did you learn? *

0/500
Describe a situation where you went above and beyond in a role you held in public service. What motivated you to take that extra step, and what was the impact of your actions on the community or organization?*

0/500
Please provide an example of a process or system you identified that needed improvement. How did you approach the situation, and what changes did you implement to enhance efficiency or effectiveness? *

0/500
What measures have you implemented in the past to foster a variety of perspectives within a team or organization? How do you believe these measures enhanced a culture of excellence?*

0/500
What do you hope to gain from participating in the CALS program? *

0/500

Biographical Summary
Please provide a biographical summary that is 150 words or less. A biographical summary, or bio, is an opportunity to briefly showcase your educational, familial, and professional background and accomplishments. They are written in third person, and typically end on a personal note on hobbies, family, or an interesting fact.

Example:

"Representative Barbara Freiberg was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2019.

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she earned her B.A. in Education from Louisiana Tech University, and M.A. in English from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Freiberg taught high school for 10 years before becoming a 5-12 administrator for the Louisiana State Board of Education. Prior to retirement, Representative Freiberg was a program director for the Louisiana State University Gordon A Cain Center.

Representative Freiberg serves on the Education Committee, Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs, Transportation and Public Works, and the House Select Committee on Women and Children."
Biographical Summary*

0/200

Attachments
In order to submit a COMPLETE application, we ask you to attach the following documents. Please note that we ask you to send all the documents in good quality and in in either PDF or JPEG format.

Please try to limit file sizes to no more than 1 GB each.

Required documents:

- Cover letter, addressed to Lindsey Gray, CSG South Regional Director, stating the reasons you are interested in applying to CALS

- Two (2) letters of recommendation, addressed to Lindsey Gray, CSG South Regional Director, from state government colleagues, supervisors, or CALS alumni

- Current resume

- Current professional headshot that meets the following criteria:
1. Framing that includes your shoulders and upper chest
2. A non-distracting background
3. Good, uniform lighting without excessive shadows on your face
4. Space above and around your head
Cover Letter*

Upload a File

Cancelof
Recommendation Letter 1*

Upload a File

Cancelof
Recommendation Letter 2*

Upload a File

Cancelof
Current Resume*

Upload a File

Cancelof
Current Headshot*

Upload a File

Cancelof

Submission
If applicable, name of the CALS alumni who referred you to the program:

0/50
Signature

Clear
Should be Empty: