VIRGINIAforever announced during the 2021 Bridge Builder Celebration that the organization will make a contribution to the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI) to sponsor one fellow’s full program fee with proceeds from the event.
VNRLI is a professional development program for leaders confronted with Virginia’s most pressing natural resource issues who seek new skills in conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving. The program offers six, three-day sessions in different locations around Virginia focusing on a variety of environmental issues.
VNRLI was established in 1999 by co-founders Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Tanya Denckla Cobb, director of both the UVA Institute for Engagement & Negotiation and VNRLI, Frank Dukes, also with the UVA Institute for Engagement and Negotiation, and Dr. Mike Edelbrock, Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and has produced 625 graduate fellows to date.
Many members of VIRGINIAforever have been fortunate enough to participate in and graduate from the program while sharpening personal and professional leadership skills and gaining a better understanding of key emerging environmental issues affecting the Commonwealth. We are excited to be able to provide a similar opportunity to the next generation of Bridge Builders.
Message from The Honorable Ann Jennings, Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources
Message from The Honorable Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry