risd | program in leadership   RAs participate in Group Initiatives Program The RISD Program in Leadership responds to increasing concerns about a perceived lack of effective leadership in a range of American institutions. As creative,critical thinkers, RISD students, faculty and alumni bring extraordinary perspective and ability to problem solving and this program supports and expands the capacity of our community to effectively engage contemporary challenges in art and design, public life, and commerce. The program is a collaborative initiative of the Offices of International Programs, Multicultural Affairs, Public Engagement, Residential Life, and Student Life.  Prevailing nostalgia for heroic leaders and leadership movements of past decades, concerns about cynical economic self-interest revealed during this period of recession, and widespread dissatisfaction and distrust of contemporary public leaders, point to a gap between our best hopes for and existing experience of leadership. This program is designed to expand the campus dialogue regarding the modes, effectiveness and ethics of leadership by investigating successful and effective strategies, models and exemplars of innovative and progressive leadership active today. It also supports opportunities for students to engage and build their leadership abilities.  The program enables those who participate to understand their abilities as leaders in all spheres of their lives.