The Leadership Development Institute is a national initiative of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. that aims to develop a 21st century generation of leaders. In 2010 LDI is celebrating 27 years of developing young leaders across America. This program was initiated in the Southern Region during the administration of Bro. Dr. A.M. Witherspoon, Southern Regional Vice President in 1983. The Fraternity began working with a group of high school students on parliamentary procedures and public speaking. The program soon expanded to include many of the Fraternity's other national and special programs, such as voting, responsible sexual activity, and attending college.

MISSION OF LDI

The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) aims to develop a 21st century generation of leaders. This mission starts with young people, particularly those who demonstrate the potential to comprehend and apply the fundamental principles needed by leaders as well as whom, by virtue of their age and education, are often looked upon as role models. Thus, the Institute, which is implemented in five regions, seeks to equip high school students, primarily sophomores to seniors, with vital leadership skills. To this end, the members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., who organize and facilitate the regional LDIs, working along with other professionals/experts, instruct the participants in parliamentary procedures, conflict resolution, models of leadership, public speaking, community and civic engagement, and educational enhancement skills.

AIMS OF LDI

1. To develop a cadre of positive youth leadership throughout the nation.

2. To stimulate an appreciation for African American leadership in the United States and the world.

3. To expose students to various leadership skills, opportunities, and challenges.

4. To inform students of the current and emerging economic, social, political, communal, and cultural issues affecting African Americans and people of color in America and the world.

5. To nurture a network of positive youth by providing fertile opportunities for them to interact on various social and cultural settings.

6. To promote and stimulate an appreciation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

7. To encourage civic involvement, such as voting.

8. To link the LDI with the fraternity's programs and special projects, such as Project Alpha, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, and Go to High School Go to College.

Visit the OFFICIAL LDI WEBSITE