Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS) has continued to grow from an organization with a focus on leadership recognition to development of current and future leaders. Yet, there is opportunity for inspiring transformational change as reflected in the PLS mission and strategic plan. 

In recent years, PLS has also developed plans for global expansion and gradually grown with the charter of an international chapter and potential others in the pipeline. Specifically, PLS strategic plan – goal 3.0 to inspire transformational change has objective 3A.2 to identify and cultivate partnerships with local, regional, and global stakeholders. Measures include engaging new partnerships and growing/chartering international chapters. Furthermore, the PLS International Affairs Committee has developed strategies as well as induction and membership model structure approved by the Board of Directors. The stars are aligning for strategic engagement of PLS current and potential chapters or global partners.

Given PLS strategic plan has goals in leadership development and transformational change in pharmacy, it is natural for the next step to bring chapters and members together through collaboration to engage diverse partners internationally (e.g. students, faculty and alumni of schools/colleges of pharmacy across the globe) to advocate for change and create an initiative/project to improve health outcomes for patients and populations* (See Appendix for references/resources.)

Therefore, the Board of Directors proposes the following Leadership Challenge to YOU, our chapters:

Design, plan, implement and evaluate a longitudinal, sustainable initiative within your chapter to expand global mindset and identify non-US based global professional leaders in pharmacy and beyond who are not yet members of PLS. This will engage and facilitate partnerships among student and alumni members with non-PLS global leaders. Collaboration with international schools/colleges and professional pharmacy organizations, community partners are encouraged. Strong proposals will include the following:

1. Description of the goal, plan and process with specifics (e.g. contacts, references, how-to, timelines) for your chapter to identify and engage with international schools/colleges through facilitation of your faculty advisors and/or school/college offices of experiential education or international education/exchange programs. The developed process should be sustainable, which can continue with members’ capacity, partners, and funding support, for your chapter for at least 3 to 4 years.
2. Development of an initiative or project that expands global mindset related to leadership development with a mission, goal and/or objective to potentially support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 of the United Nations.*(See Appendix for reference to search for a goal/objective.) 
3. Description of strategy to engage diverse global pharmacy, healthcare professionals, or programs as a partner that is non-US based and not currently affiliated with PLS or with your school or chapter.
4. Description of evaluation criteria including metrics, deliverables and outcomes which your chapter will use to monitor the efficacy of the initiative or project to modify as needed.
5. Identification/list of additional resources/supports (e.g. faculty advisor, non-US faculty/contacts, funding sources such as foundation) to expand and ensure/plan for sustainability.

Ideas from strong proposals will be shared with the PLS Board of Directors and Committees for possible adoption on the national level. There are 2 awards available for 2 chapters/proposals.

Project Proposals should include the following:

1. 1. Objectives: Describe the specific and SMART objectives of your chapter’s initiative.
   2. Description and Timeline: Generalizable practical guidance and instructions that another school would be able to successfully implement the same initiative based on the information provided.
   3. Budget (see Resources): Chapters may request up to $1,500 of monetary support from PLS. Proposals will receive $1000 upon selection/approval of project proposal to expand global mindset and identification of a partner and an additional $500 for concrete partnership development activities within a timeline. 
   4. Data/Metrics: To quantify and evaluate the project’s impact after implementation.

• Consider potential partnership with PLS IAC to ensure accountability and/or support.

Resources: Please see Leadership Challenge resources below.

Leadership Challenge Engagement Matrix Toolkit

Budget Toolkit 

Submission: Please submit one complete application packet electronically (single PDF file) by January 15, 2025 @ 11:59 PM Eastern Time to awards@philambdasigma.org. Signature pages should be scanned and submitted with the packet.

If chosen as the winning proposal, chapters must complete their project and present a report on the outcomes at the PLS House of Delegates in 2026.