THE FOUNDATION FOR UNIVERSAL RESPONSIBILITY
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Present

Transformational Leadership - A Workshop for Tibetan Youth

Date: 20th to 27th December, 2010, New Delhi

Young people, today, are faced with a bewildering array of choices, ethical dilemmas, intergenerational tensions/conflicts, performance pressures etc. The equilibrium between rights and responsibilities is tenuous especially since earlier mores and traditions do not seem to work in a global environment.

In this context the workshop seeks to explore the following questions:

• How can young individuals exercise choice?
• How can each be a leader in her/his right?
• What are the parameters within which responsible choice can be exercised?
• What do the expanding horizons mean for young people within their countries?
• What does ‘adapting in exile’ mean for young Tibetans?
• Can universal responsibility give them a feeling of self worth and develop an alternative notion of leadership?

Tibetan youth face the additional challenges of living in exile. While they enjoy the privileges of modern education and the opportunity to preserve their cultural heritage, religion and identity, they are under increasing pressure to assimilate in the country of refuge. This creates an additional conflict of choice.

The Workshop

Transformational Leadership[1] – A Workshop for Tibetan Youth is being organized by the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and will be held in New Delhi, over seven days, during the winter break.

Participants will be selected from the 11^th and 12^th grade students of TCV, Dharamsala and Tibetan Homes Foundation, Mussoorie.

The workshop seeks to move beyond the idea of leadership that defines a successful leader as a person who has a vision, the drive and commitment to achieve that vision, and the skills to make it happen. Drawing from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s idea of Universal Responsibility the workshop seeks to create an opportunity for youth to develop skills that will positively impact not only their careers but also the lives of their families, their communities and the society they live in.

Methodology

The workshop will engage the participants in both theoretical and practical sessions with an emphasis on experiential learning and the use of multiple formats such as lectures, theater, role-plays, films and group discussions.

Objectives

• To provide a context for introspection and experiential learning that will
  help impact the possibilities and responsibilities of choice
• To improve listening and communication skills
• To build capacity for resolving conflicts without resorting to force or violence
• To develop attitudes essential for transformational leadership including commitment and integrity
• To empower young people to value democracy, pluralism and active coexistence
• To provide them information on how to access options for expanding career choices and goals.