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Professional Development

    It pays to take advantage of the professional development opportunities NAR offers for state and local volunteer leaders and AEs. NAR offers several programs including online self-study courses, live workshops, leadership presentations, and webinars throughout the year for volunteer leaders to grow professionally and increase their expertise.

    Leadership Academy

    The NAR Leadership Academy identifies, inspires, and mentors emerging leaders from the local and state level. Participants complete a nine-month training program designed to develop institutional knowledge and leadership skills.

    Candidate and Issues Campaign Training

    If your association aspires to participate in local Candidate or Issues Campaigns, you may be interested in the Candidate and Issues Campaign Training series. REALTOR® association AEs (Executive Officers) and staff specializing in REALTOR® Party efforts participate in a series of seven, 45 minute webinars leading to a final, in-person, two-day training. This hybrid (webinar/in-person) certificate course will enable a deeper understanding of creating multi-phased advocacy plans for association’s involvement in a variety of campaigns. Registration opens in early January and is limited to the first 40 registrants. This training counts for 6-hours of professional development toward your Core Standards requirement. Contact Kyle Lambert London (klambertlondon@realtors.org) for details.

    REALTOR® L.E.A.D. Courses

    Four exciting new courses equip participants with the concepts, knowledge, and practices needed for effective association leadership.

    For Volunteer and Staff Leadership Teams

    Leadership Summit

    Leadership Summit, held each year in Chicago, brings together chief staff executives and presidents-elect of state and local associations, presenting opportunities to make lasting connections within the REALTOR® association community.

    Leadership Express

    Volunteer leaders and association staff are invited to attend the Leadership Express program scheduled at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C. These sessions provide practical leadership concepts and industry strategies. Attendees walk away with information on how to effectively lead the association; roles and responsibilities; principles of leadership; real estate industry perspectives, plus more. Industry leaders, association management experts, leadership consultants and past NAR presidents represent the majority of speakers. The program consists of three 40-minute sessions that run concurrently and are then repeated, allowing attendees the opportunity to attend two of the three Leadership Express workshops.

    Local Leadership Idea Exchange Council and State Leadership Idea Exchange Council 

    At both annual conventions/conferences, AEs and Presidents should attend council sessions according to board size.

    State Boards

    • Large State: The 17 largest state associations, based on total membership
    • Medium State: The next 17 largest state associations, based on total membership
    • Small State: The remaining 16 state associations, and Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands

    Local Boards

    • Mega Board: Boards with 7,000 or more members
    • Large Board: Boards with 2,000 to 6,999 members
    • Medium Board: Boards with 500 to 1,999 members
    • Small Board: Boards with fewer than 500 members

    Spotlight Series

    The Spotlight Series, held at NAR’s REALTORS® Conference & Expo, showcases top entrepreneurs as they share their life lessons and unique perspectives on dedication, opportunity and perseverance.

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