Lead the way
Work with your neighbors to lift your community
Photo: Doug Webster for Leadership Vallejo
It’s never too late (or too early) to be a leader. Whether you’re the head of an organization, a political activist, an involved member of your community, or perhaps aspire to be in such a position, good leadership skills can always be beneficial.
Leadership programs are designed toward enhancing leadership skills and increasing community relations. Participants will have the opportunity to meet leaders in their community and gain a “behind-the-scenes” perspective of what their area needs to succeed. Skills such as public speaking, problem solving or effective listening are also addressed.
“Entering a leadership program, you should be ready to explore and try new things,” says napa mayor Jill Techel, an alumnus of and now program coordinator for Leadership Napa Valley (LNV). “You feel more connected to your community [and] it gives you a well-rounded base for getting involved.”
The curriculums vary by locale. Each class is limited to usually around 20 participants who meet once or twice a month for eight to 10 months. Employers often subsidize much of the fee, which averages $1,200, as the program is intended to benefit the workplace; scholarships are often available.
Leadership Vallejo celebrated its first graduated class in May 2007. “Each session covered wide-ranging topics,” says Chairwoman Leah Dreger. The participants received “unequaled access to the inner workings of the Vallejo educational institutions, labor unions, government, services for the less fortunate and even wetland restoration.”
If you feel it’s time to take that next step for yourself and your community, a leadership program may be just what you’re looking for.
Leadership programs in our area:
Solano County - Fairfield/Suisun: Leadership Today (707) 425-4625
Solano County - Vacaville: Leadership Vacaville (707) 448-6424
Solano County - Vallejo: Leadership Vallejo (707) 644-5551
Napa County - Napa: Leadership Napa Valley (707) 226-7455
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