Have you ever tried to tackle a “big idea” or to eat the elephant one bite at a time, as the saying goes? That is the reason Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder (SStS) was formed in 2007 by the then Assistant Head of School at Vail Mountain School, Bob Bandoni. Bob wanted to address the “big idea” of improving what he sees as the most critical area across all spectra of society…leadership. Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder has been inspiring and supporting Ethical Leadership ever since.

SStS is a mission-driven organization focused solely on advancing Ethical Leadership that operates as a vast network of schools, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropists, and alumni. The organization’s mission is to populate the world with more ethical leaders, meaning those that balance the aspiration of prosperity with public purpose, through their field studies in ethical leadership for high school students and an annual Ethical Leadership Forum event.

SStS believes strongly in the moral example. Whether it is running a field study in ethical leadership with high school students or bringing together cross-sector leaders from around the world for a leadership forum. SStS is rooted in the belief that identifying models of ethical leadership and elevating them is the best way to teach and inspire others to follow suit. Engaging diverse stakeholders is also the best strategy for driving toward a sustainable, healthy society and environment.

SStS features Field Studies in Ethical Leadership which are offered to students across the country, including the youth of Eagle County. Considerable financial aid is provided to students who express financial need, believing that every great candidate must have the opportunity to learn about Ethical Leadership. Their mission manifests when students exit a field study in ethical leadership or when the Ethical Leadership Forum attendees leave the forum feeling inspired and seeing themselves as leaders ready to have a positive impact on the world.

Each October SStS hosts the Ethical Leadership Forum, which brings its vast, cross-sector network to Vail. The forum allows leaders from multiple sectors (education, non-profits, business, government, philanthropy) to learn, share, and grow their unique and interconnected ways of advancing ethical leadership.

This year’s Ethical Leadership Forum features partnerships with the Vail Symposium, Town of Vail, Borgen Family Foundation, Blue Sky Imagine Productions, and regional Rotary Clubs. Students Shoulder to Shoulder invites you to join this year’s Ethical Leadership Forum on Friday, October 27th to be part of the conversation.

Learn more about Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder and secure your spot at the Ethical Leadership Forum.

shouldertoshoulder.com

ethicalleadershipforum.org