Orientation Deck for the Alpha Cohort

Shaping leaders for the common good

Welcome & Program Identity

Foundational vision: theological reflection integrated with real‑world leadership practice.
Purpose: form leaders who navigate complex challenges with moral clarity and public responsibility.

Core Framework

Dignity‑Driven Policies & Practices™ (D2P2™)

Our ethos: decisions, policies, and practices that honor human dignity.

Program Mission & Strategic Purpose

Our mission is to equip established civic, corporate, and nonprofit leaders with theological depth and ethical frameworks for principled leadership in service of the common good.

Bridge

Connect theological wisdom with contemporary leadership challenges.

Develop

Build a national network of ethically grounded practitioners.

Extend

Advance the Ecumenical Institute’s mission among public‑facing professionals.

The Alpha Cohort Distinction

Your unique role

Legacy architects: establish identity and standards of excellence.
Network founders: create the inaugural community and mentor future cohorts.
Program pioneers: shape the first annual Fellows Conference and define early best practices.

Historical significance

Your cohort sets the precedent for dignity‑driven leadership that will influence generations of civic and corporate leaders.

The D2P2™ Framework

Dominion‑driven approaches

Control, hierarchy, zero‑sum thinking
Extraction from communities and stakeholders
Erosion of trust and deepening inequity

Dignity‑driven leadership™ (our commitment)

Center inherent human worth and mutual respect
Pursue justice, sustainability, and shared flourishing
Build trust through transparency and accountability

Professional application: translate D2P2™ into policy development, organizational culture, and community engagement within your sphere of influence.

Academic Architecture & Scholarly Rigor

Program structure: 12‑month cohort (September 2025 – August 2026)
Academic credentialing: 9 ATS‑accredited, transferable graduate credits

Fall 2025

Moral Leadership in Civic Spaces

Dr. Dan Bell

Spring 2026

The Public Vocation of Leadership

Dr. C. Anthony Hunt

Summer 2026

Theology, Power, & the Common Good

Dr. Eric J. Freeman — capstone

Pedagogical approach: monthly synchronous sessions, curated readings, and civic engagement assignments that bridge theological reflection with professional practice.

Professional Integration & Application

Learning methodology

Reflective practice on current leadership challenges
Peer collaboration across sectors and roles
Real‑world implementation of dignity‑driven solutions

Professional outcomes

Enhanced ethical decision‑making frameworks
Deeper understanding of power, responsibility, and the common good
Practical tools for values‑based leadership in complex contexts

Fellowship Expectations & Standards

Academic commitment

Weekly participation on Thursdays, 6:00–8:30 p.m. ET (Zoom)
Rigorous engagement with readings and theological texts
Timely completion of applied assignments

Professional responsibility

Active implementation of D2P2™ in your leadership role
Substantive contributions that enrich cohort learning
Commitment to intellectual rigor and ethical practice

Network Development & Alumni Vision

Building a national network

Immediate community: your Alpha Cohort becomes a lifelong network
Expanding influence: annual Fellows Conferences
Mentorship legacy: future cohorts benefit from your foundation

Long‑term vision

A distinguished national community of leaders advancing dignity‑driven practice across civic, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.

Next Steps & Call to Excellence

Immediate actions

Engage with Canvas for resources and discussion
Prepare for the Fall 2025 course launch with Dr. Dan Bell
Begin reflecting on how D2P2™ applies to your current context

Closing reflections

“Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
“The measure of a leader is not the position they hold, but the dignity they uphold in service of the common good.” +EJF

Together, we shape the future of leadership for the common good.