Still have questions about Called to Lead?

What is Called to Lead?

We invite students to develop in leadership while exploring the meaning of life, what the world needs most, ethics, spirituality, vocation, and life choices. You can enlarge your potential for leadership, by exploring leadership within the context of the meaning of life, and the many things that really matter to you. In addition, you can experience the mission of Elizabethtown College: to educate students ethically for lives of leadership and service.

What do I get from Called to Lead?

In addition to lots of learning and personal development, you accumulate points for attending events, programs, trips, and courses. Those who reach 300 points receive a Called to Lead fleece jacket with E-town Called to Lead logo. Those who reach 1,000 points receive our Called to Lead certificate of completion, a signature sash to wear at Commencement, and are listed in the Commencement program as having completed the program (just under the listing of seniors who have finished the Honors program).

Do I have to try to reach the 1,000-point goal to be in the program?

No. We have students in the program who are clear that they will not be able to or have no desire to reach 1,000 points. They have the goal of attending the events that will help them learn as much as they can and also networking with other students who care about these topics.

Who can participate in Called to Lead?

This program is open to all interested students. You can enter or leave the program at any time.

How long will the program take me?

It depends. We have had students complete the program in 1 1/2 to 2 years, but ideally we would like you to spend at least 3 years in the program.

How many students are in the program?

We have over 300 active students, representing more than 20 majors ranging from theater to business, and who participate in extracurricular activities ranging from the Honors Program to Student Senate to intercollegiate athlectics.

What are some of the events and programs, and how many points are they worth?

Please see the Events and Programs page.

Who is sponsoring this program?

This program is sponsored by the Chaplain’s Office, but this program is a joint effort of many faculty and staff who care about issues of leadership, life calling, purposeful work, ethics, meaning, vocation, personal responsibility, and other things.

Why leadership and "calling"?  Do I have to be religious?

Many great leaders have framed their leadership in the context of life calling, philosophy of life, spiritual values, and significant ethical commitments. Not all philosophies of life are religious, and you do not have to be religious to be in the Called to Lead program. In one sense, “calling” relates to religious vocation, but in other ways, “calling” can have nothing to do with religion. A current Peace Corps tagline is “Life is calling…how far will you go?”

Why is this program at Elizabethtown College?

Life calling and servant leadership are concepts that resonate with the faith heritage of the College. Moreover, both the Strategic Vision’s signature theme “Purposeful Life Work,” and the College mission statement challenges us to educate students ethically for lives of leadership and service.