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CAL Leadership Institute (CALLI)

Developing Leaders for Colorado Libraries

The Colorado Association of Libraries Leadership Institute (CALLI) is a transformative leadership development program designed to cultivate emerging and established leaders within CAL and the broader Colorado library community.

CALLI empowers participants to:

  • Explore and understand their personal leadership styles
  • Build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and leaders across the library landscape
  • Engage in inquiry, advocacy, and networking to drive positive change
  • Grow professionally through structured learning and real-world application
  • Center equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of leadership

Through a cohort-based model, CALLI fosters collaboration, reflection, and action. Participants leave the program with the confidence, tools, and connections to lead at all levels of their organizations and communities.

Upcoming Cohort

The next CAL Leadership Institute cohort will run from July 2026 to August 2027.  The application will open on February 15, 2026, and will be open through March 15, 2026.

Application Instructions

Ready to Apply?

CALLI Application Form - The form will be live on February 15, 2026. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm (MST).  

The 2026-2027 cohort will start in July 2026 with an introductory webinar covering CAL Leadership Institute (CALLI) goals, logistics, and “how-tos”, and we will gather together in-person in late August 2026 for an informative two-day workshop designed to spearhead the 13-month leadership journey.

Additional sessions are outlined in the CALLI 2026-2027 Curriculum Overview, and participants can expect to meet monthly, either in person or online. For more details about the time commitment, see the FAQs. 

CALLI Application Form - The form will be live on February 15, 2026

While filling out the form, applicants will need to upload the following documents:

  1. current resume or CV
  2. personal essay or multimedia presentation addressing the points below
  3. confirmation letter from your employer that they support your application and that you will be able to attend all in-person and virtual meetings.
  4. two letters of recommendation
  5. electronically signed application 

For your application, please address the following points in an essay (1-2 pages), or a 2-5 minute multimedia presentation of your choice:

  1. Why are you interested in this program? What skills do you hope to gain or enhance through participation in this program?
  2. Describe your experience with leadership, including your own roles or traits as well as an example of a leader you admire and why.
  3. CALLI values equity, diversity, and inclusion. Discuss your experience and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. You may include professional and non-professional roles.
  4. For the two-year CAL service requirement, how do you see yourself participating as a leader or in a leadership role within CAL?

Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status no later than the end of April 2026.

FAQ

  • What are the benefits of being a participant in the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) Leadership Institute?  

CALLI is a wonderful place to grow your leadership skills, network with other participants throughout Colorado, and meet leaders in the Colorado Library community.  Our goal is to provide you with the tools and exposure necessary for future leadership roles within CAL and the Colorado Library Community.

  • What is the estimated cost for being involved in CALLI?

The registration fee is $300, which includes all in-person sessions for 2026-2027. Participants should factor in additional monetary commitments for the following:

  • The in-person sessions will be held around the state (past sessions have been in Basalt, Colorado Springs, Denver, Loveland, and Glenwood Springs). Anticipate at least two sessions on the Western Slope. Most of the in-person sessions will span more than one day, so budget for hotel, meals, and mileage for seven in-person sessions. Previous CALLI participants spent approximately $1,500 to attend the seven in-person sessions. 
  • Equipment (audio and video) for virtual sessions.
  • Participants must purchase a new copy of the book StrengthsFinder 2.0 and use the code in the back of the book to take the assessment.
  • CAL membership fee.

 

  • Are scholarship funds available?

The application form asks the applicant to identify any financial aid they may require to participate. Limited funds are available to assist with some financial needs.  

  • What type of software will be used for the online webinars and discussions?

We will use Google Sites and Zoom for our online sessions and discussions.  

  • Do I need to be a member of CAL in order to apply for CALLI?

No, but participants must be CAL members before the start of the cohort in July 2026.

  • Do I need to work in a library to apply?

Applicants either need to work in a Colorado library-related institution OR live in Colorado and be in school for a degree or certification in a library-related field. There is no minimum or maximum length of time worked in the library field to participate. A Master's of Library Science degree is not required to apply or participate.

  • What are the expectations of participants?.

CALLI is a year-long commitment.  Participants are expected to attend all sessions both in-person and online, and participate in all discussions, activities, exercises, readings, and assignments. There will be seven in-person sessions and six online sessions. The time commitment for sessions ranges between 1.5 hours and two days (plus travel time). The curriculum overview can be found here.  Participants should also plan on ten hours of additional work towards assignments and readings for each month.

Additionally, CALLI participants will be expected to volunteer with CAL for two years, practicing leadership skills learned in CALLI. Participants can start this commitment any time after starting the CALLI program.

  • What is the application process? 

The online application for CALLI will open on February 15, 2026.  The form is due by 11:59 pm on March 15, 2026.  After the application deadline, the CALLI Committee will review applications and announce acceptance into the program by the end of April 2026. All required documents must be uploaded into the application form.  You can find the application form here.

  • What does the application ask for?
  1. current resume or CV 
  2. personal essay or multimedia presentation addressing the points listed in the application instructions below.
  3. confirmation from your employer that you will be able to attend meetings and participate in virtual working groups 
  4. two letters of recommendation
  5. electronically signed application 
  • Where should my employer submit the employer confirmation for CALLI?

Employer confirmation will be submitted along with the application. All required documents must be uploaded into the application form.

  • Where do I submit my two letters of recommendation for my application?

Letters of recommendation will be submitted along with the application. All required documents must be uploaded into the application form.

  • Who do I contact with questions about CALLI?

Contact cal.leadership@gmail.com with any further questions about CALLI.

 

2026 CAL Leadership Institute Application