A big part of the program is helping Fellows to get out and experience new parts of town. The weekend class sessions meet at different locations around town – churches, businesses and beyond. Whenever possible, we work to connect the locations where we meet to the topic we’re exploring.

A lot can happen on a Saturday session. As much as we can, we strive to design Saturday sessions (and retreats) to be experiential and people-centric. We visit different places around town, we hear from experts speakers, we walk through exercises – and we eat lunch. Because food is a pathway for connection.

The RCLI Fellowship is designed to help emerging leaders connect with more senior leaders to foster learning and growth. We bring in speakers from all around Richmond. Our speaker roster includes topical experts, civic leaders, local pastors and program alums – all bringing their own perspective, expertise and wisdom, for the benefit of the group.

Think of the discussion group as a smaller group within the larger group. It is a place to connect socially, discuss readings, process development activities, laugh, think, pray. Each group has a dedicated discussion leader that facilitates the group during the course of the program.

Discussion groups are expected to meet once per month at a time and place that is agreed upon by the group. We can provide some suggested locations and facilitate the coordination of meetings as needed.

We get it—you’re busy! We don’t want to crush you with too much work. That said, we recognize the value and importance of committing to something that requires something of us. We expect each Fellow to complete the assignments for their own growth and the development of their peers. We aim to curate the assignments and readings so that they’re worth your time.

We don’t have any hard and fast rules on age. As a rule of thumb, sometimes we say “mid 20s to mid 40s.” But that’s just a guide. We’re less concerned with what the date says on your birth certificate; we’re more concerned with who you are and the questions you’re asking at this stage in your life.

The cost of the RCLI Fellowship is $1,600. Program tuition covers the costs for all program expenses including reading materials, speaker honorariums, transportation, food and retreat costs. The structure of the program has been designed to keep costs low while delivering a high quality experience.

We never want the tuition rate to be a barrier. Scholarships are available for Fellows who may need tuition assistance. Decisions are based on financial need with priority given to those from underrepresented groups or to applicants working in the nonprofit, small business, and/or social sectors. Applicants can apply for scholarship funds as a part of the application process. Payment plans are also available.

The class size typically consists of 15-20 Fellows. RCLI works to develop a strong group of Fellows, pulling together people from different backgrounds, lines of work and parts of town. We aim to build a class that is big enough that there’s a good variety of perspectives in the room, without it getting so big that it is hard to get to know everyone.

We sure hope so. No one wants to do something that’s a drag. We have designed an experience that’s intended to make you think about things in new ways. That makes you connect and wonder. We hope that each Fellow walks away with a sense of gratitude for God’s goodness, as he weaves His story of redemption and draws each of us into it.