City Trees

MFI was a really rewarding and fulfilling experience. I want others to share in that. MFI was the first time I was able to interact deeply with counterparts from around the country. I made lasting connections with peers and still keep in touch. The topics [covered] were really important to understand where struggles actually are in our work. W h a t d o e s M F I C o v e r ? The week-long Institute is intended to progress and flow from an inward understanding of yourself, an understanding of the context within which you work, how internal and external forces can work together (or not!) to make change, and how to foster a continuous improvement mindset when faced with challenges. The issues covered are the non- technical side of arboriculture and urban fo restry, focused on a broad understanding of leadership and how one can lead from any position. The curriculum is presented in a variety of formats including lectures, large and small group discussion, peer-learning group exercises, and real-life scenarios. Instruction is delivered from both subject matter experts and urban forestry professionals. W h a t s h o u l d y o u e x p e c t ? Required Institute Pre-Work Part of the MFI experience involves several pre-Institute meetings where you'll meet the other attendees, learn more about what to expect during the Institute, and engage with a few pre-Institute readings and educational items. These meetings will be held in January and February 2024. Anticipate committing two hours each month for the pre-Institute work. MFI Week Schedule MFI is an intensive learning experience . You must be able to attend from 4:00pm on Sunday until 12:30pm on Friday. There are breaks and a little free time, but the Institute requires your full attention. Plan any sight-seeing before or after, not during MFI. Your full attendance will be required at every session — partial attendance is not possible. Sorry but pets, partners, and dependents or guests cannot be accommodated at MFI. S M A i s d e d i c a t e d t o e n s u r i n g u r b a n f o r e s t r y r e p r e s e n t s t h e p e o p l e o u r w o r k i n t e n d s t o s e r v e . W e a r e i n v e s t i n g i n l e a d e r s h i p d e v e l o p m e n t o f i n d i v i d u a l s w h o i d e n t i f y a s a r a c i a l o r e t h n i c m i n o r i t y a n d / o r i n d i v i d u a l s f r o m t h e L G B T Q I A + c o m m u n i t y . S c h o l a r s h i p s a r e a v a i l a b l e t o c o v e r t h e c o s t o f t u i t i o n p l u s a $ 5 0 0 t r a v e l s t i p e n d . T h o s e w h o q u a l i f y a n d c a n b e n e f i t f r o m t h e f i n a n c i a l a s s i s t a n c e c a n i n d i c a t e t h e i r i n t e r e s t o n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n f r o m a t www.urban-forestry.com. MFI 2024 will be held at the Courtyard Marriott on beautiful Jekyll Island, Georgia. Jekyll Island is a state park with miles of beach, beautiful mature trees, and a rich history. Participants will fly into the Jacksonville, Florida airport, which is about an hour from Jekyll Island. SMA will arrange a group bus transport from the airport to the site. Partici pants are welcomed to drive and arrive on their own. All hotel reservations and transport from the airport will be handled by SMA. Participants are responsible for airfare. Location and Travel Details Diversity Scholarships Available Assess your own personal leadership capacity and develop a leadership growth plan to become the leader you want to be. Lead through challenges and opportunities from within your position and program. Analyze the context within which you work. Develop a growth mindset for continual improvement. Create and sustain a leadership network of urban forestry colleagues, peers, and mentors. And much more! By the end of the Institute, you will have the confidence to: Past MFI Participant Thank you to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service for their support of the MFI Diversity Scholarships.

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