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PROGRAM CONCEPT
The Leadership
Washington County program was established in 1987 (under
the name of Leadership Hagerstown), in
cooperation with the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber
of Commerce. In 2006, it became a separate 501(c)3
organization. It started as a response to a need for a
common meeting
ground of shared concern among leaders in all sectors
of the community. A community’s greatest assets
are its people and that is certainly true here in Washington
County. More times than not, you’ll find graduates
of the Leadership Washington program sitting on the
boards of non-profits, running for office, mentoring
area youth,
chairing events, managing projects . . . all the while
helping their organizations grow, succeed and prosper.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of Leadership Washington County
is to develop and enhance community leadership by offering
participants from diverse backgrounds a unique opportunity
to explore, up close and personal, the challenges and issues
facing the greater Hagerstown community. This nine month
program takes a select group of individuals from diverse
backgrounds through an intense nine-month course during
which they develop their own network of contacts, colleagues,
personal and professional colleagues. Economic development,
cultural diversity, race relations, education, religion,
politics, social service needs, crime and punishment. Issues
and answers to the many challenges facing our society are
discussed and debated.
IMPACT
In a very unique way, Leadership Washington
County is helping to build a better, richer community
by tapping
into the talents, the passions and the intellectual capital
of the women and men who live and work here. Helping
leaders in the for-profit and not-for-profit, private and
public
sectors become leaders in the community. Increasing interest.
Increasing involvement. Getting individuals actively
engaged in the issues of the day. That’s what builds
a better and stronger community. Stimulating thought
and action. Encouraging creative thinking and creative
problem
solving is what Leadership Washington County is all about.
PROGRAM
DESIGN
The Leadership Washington County program begins
with a mandatory two-night retreat, September 8, 9, and
10, 2007 and continues with a series of monthly daylong
sessions that ends in June. The curriculum for these
programs is designedby class members and features prominent
speakers
who address specific issues concerning greater Hagerstown.
Topics covered during the monthly sessions include:
the history of Washington County and its people; the
economy; local and state government; politics and the
decision making
process; health and human services; education; quality
of life; and arts and entertainment
To accomplish the
objectives of the program, the full participation of
each individual
is required. Participants must be able to comply with
the retreat and monthly attendance requirements free from
personal and business responsibilities except in the case
of emergencies.
Participants unable to meet the attendance
requirements are asked not to apply.
SELECTION PROCESS
Leadership Washington County seeks potential
leaders was well as individuals who have a ready attained
leadership positions in the community and/or their places
of employment.
A representative group of approximately
thirty participants is selected annually from the for-profit
and non-for-profit business sectors, both public and private,
private and public sectors as
well as representatives from government, education,
religious organizations and other community
groups.
Nominations are sought from all segments
of the community and individuals are encouraged
to nominate themselves.
A Selection Committee
that itself is representative of the greater Hagerstown
community chooses participants from written applications.
The
program is limited in and not all applicants are accepted.
If not accepted, applicants
are urged to reapply the following
year and deposits can be held for up to one year.
The Class of 2007-2008 will be selected from applicants who have submitted the application form, resume, letter of recommendation and deposit postmarked by March 16, 2007. Selected participants will be notified in May 2008.
For Class XXII, applications will be available in January 2009. A list of interested participants is developed on an ongoing basis, so feel free to put your name on the list now.
TUITION
Tuition for the 2008-2009 program will be $1500.00 and may be paid by the individual or the sponsoring corporation or organization.
A deposit of $500.00 is due with the application.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Leadership Washington County experience extends beyond graduation. Non-profits from the area look to members of the Alumni Association to serve on their boards and to chair community projects. Members of the alumni association enjoy other benefits and networking opportunities as well. In addition, alumni serve as Board members, trustees and are an important resource for current program participants. Want to join? Click here for a listing of benefits.(PDF)
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