Shafer Leadership Academy

09/16/2026

And we’re off!

Today, 32 students from Muncie Community Schools, the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, and Burris Laboratory School kicked off this year’s Muncie Youth Leadership Program with a retreat at Camp Adventure

They climbed, balanced, problem-solved, encouraged one another, and began building relationships with students from across our community.

Over the coming months, these young leaders will learn more about themselves, explore issues affecting Muncie, and work together to design and carry out community projects.

We are incredibly grateful to the school systems and to that Hamer D. and Phyllis C. Shafer Foundation for supporting this program and helping make these experiences possible.

What a great way to begin the year!

09/11/2026

This week, Shafer Leadership Academy had the privilege of partnering with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida for a full-day Fusion experience.

Through conversation, friendly competition, and a little generational jams, participants explored how different experiences and perspectives shape the way we communicate, lead, and work together.

We’re grateful for the openness, energy, and engagement this group brought to the day. Thank you to the Southern District of Florida for trusting us with your team.

09/10/2026

Great people and a great event!

09/02/2026

We are proud to call the Innovation Connector home and grateful to funders like Ball Brothers Foundation who support its good work.

08/18/2026

Three simple words can change the direction of a difficult conversation:

“Help me understand.”

When we disagree, it’s easy to make assumptions, get defensive, or focus on proving our point. Genuine curiosity can change the conversation.

Join Shafer Leadership Academy Executive Director Mitch Isaacs for Reducing Defensiveness in Difficult Conversations, a fast-paced, interactive 20-minute virtual micro-program.

You’ll explore how assumptions shape our reactions and practice using “Help me understand” to:

• Lower defensiveness
• Invite honest feedback
• Uncover perspectives you may have missed
• Build greater clarity, trust, and connection

📅 Thursday, August 27
🕙 10:00 to 10:20 a.m.
💻 Virtual
🎟️ FREE for SLA members
🎟️ $15 for nonprofits | $30 for non-members

Just 20 minutes. One simple phrase. A practical tool you can put to work in your very next difficult conversation.

Scholarships are also available.

Register here: https://shaferleadershipacademy.wufoo.com/forms/z16p91mu18kk5ai/

08/10/2026

The Annual IFFA Leadership Summit will bring together accomplished leaders August 17–19 in French Lick to share practical insights, fresh perspectives, and lessons drawn from real-world experience. This year’s featured speakers include:

• Chad J. Willett, author of Rip Off the Rearview Mirror
• Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director of Shafer Leadership Academy
• Jason Blake, President of the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI)
• Terry Gallagher, Jr., Founder & President of The Cigarette Store Corporation & Smoker Friendly International

Time is running out to claim your seat! Check out the detailed agenda and reserve your spot today: https://tinyurl.com/4v3yhu3e

08/03/2026

People in Muncie want to serve. Since 2021, GoServe has given residents a simple way to say "I'm willing" — a database of qualified, interested candidates for local government boards and commissions, created in partnership with the City of Muncie and available to the Mayor and City Council whenever an appointment needs made.

And it doesn't stop at government. Our Board Member Interest Database connects area nonprofits with people ready to serve on their boards — and nonprofits can request access to browse candidates.

Both are free. Both are updated regularly. Both are open to anyone who wants to serve their community.

Ready to raise your hand? https://www.shaferleadership.com/goserve-muncie/

We are compiling a database of potential board candidates. The Mayor and City Council will have access to the database to choose qualified and interested candidates to serve when the nomination and selection process for each board/commission begins.

07/31/2026

This week our members had a blast learning about leadership on the pickleball court!
We partnered with First Serve Muncie Racquet Club to offer The Leadership Pickleball Experience: Be Alert Training.
Love to Care. Learn to Focus. Improve to Grow.

07/27/2026

Not everyone chooses to spend their birthday at work but when your work is developing leaders, it’s hard to imagine a better way to celebrate.

Today, Executive Director Mitch Isaacs spent his birthday with the Eastbrook High School FFA officer team, helping them build a roadmap for the year ahead. Together, they explored team expectations, communication, shared leadership, chapter priorities, and created action plans to help make this their strongest year yet.

One of the greatest privileges of leadership development is watching young people realize they don’t have to wait to become leaders someday, they’re leading right now.

Happy Birthday, Mitch, and thank you to the Eastbrook FFA chapter for letting Shafer Leadership Academy be part of your journey.

We can’t wait to see what you accomplish this year!