Dickinson Area Partnership

The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce established the Dickinson County Leadership Program with the firm conviction that today's leadership has an obligation to nurture tomorrow's leaders. Our committee is committed to recruiting a group of the area's finest emerging leaders who would represent a broad spectrum of the community. We extend an invitation for you to participate as a sponsoring organization or class member. A leader is one who recognizes the potential in people and strives to establish and maintain a climate where individuals may develop and maximize their contributions. The Dickinson County Leadership Program provides that conduit to a unique group of individuals whose future impact upon our community is incalculable.

The Dickinson County Leadership Program is designed to bring together new, emerging and potential leaders from the area to address pertinent community needs, strengthen individual leadership abilities and encourage participants to personally commit to assuming new leadership roles in the community.

to identify potential leaders.
to educate participants about community needs and leadership opportunities.
to improve management and leadership skills.
to develop relationships of value when working together on community projects.
to create rapport among participants and present community leaders.
to assist in matching the talents of selected participants with leadership needs.

The Dickinson County Leadership Program will conduct annual "classes". Both applicants and their employers must agree that each applicant will devote at least one weekday per month for eight months (October - May) to the program. The format is similar to successful programs in other communities. An initial orientation "retreat" for each class will be followed by one session each month, ending with graduation ceremonies. The sessions are designed to acquaint class members with information on the organizational structure, unique features, strengths and challenges of the community. The program encourages participation in community affairs. An important benefit of the program is that members of each class will become aware of community networking and participate in it. Alumni from previous classes are called upon to take part in programs for new classes.

The Dickinson County Leadership Program operates as an independent program within the Dickinson Area Partnership. The organization has appointed a program director to oversee the day-to-day activities relating to the program.

The Academy consists of a weekend retreat in the Fall, eight topic-oriented seminars and a wrap-up graduation program in the Spring. The retreat sets the stage for the programs which will vary from the structured exercises to exploring dynamics of our society, an analysis of individual leadership and decision making styles and effective utilization of group process. The following sessions focus individually on a major area of community concern and explore the issue of leadership within the context of the day's program.

The Dickinson County Leadership Program actively solicits applicants from all sectors of the community. Criteria for selection include demonstrated leadership skills, active involvement in the community, and a commitment to invest the time required by the program. A conscientious effort will be made to select participants who represent a cross-section of the community. This will guarantee that the diversity of perspectives will generate meaningful personal interaction and learning in the Leadership Program.

Attendance is mandatory for Leadership Program participants. Prospective participants who are unable to attend the retreat, the established sessions, and graduation need not apply.

The Dickinson County Leadership Program will provide participants an opportunity to meet and talk with leaders from all segments of our community. They will exchange views and share opinions and challenges facing our area. In addition, the interaction of the participants allows for the opportunity to develop mutual trust and respect which will encourage continuing relationships outside the formal program. Over a period of time, as alumni increase their community participation and assume positions of greater responsibility, our community will be strengthened.

Graduates of the Leadership Program will become a part of a new community resource - a group of men and women with the desire and ability to positively impact important community activities. They will have gained a new awareness of our community - what makes it work, its strengths its challenges and what needs to be done in the future.

Applications may be initiated individually or by nomination. Participants will be chosen from the written applications. Nominees will require the full support of the organization or business which they represent. Attendance and participation in each session are essential.

Tuition may be paid by the sponsoring organization or corporation. A limited number of partial scholarships will be granted to individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend. For more information contact the Program Director at (906) 774-2002 or leadership@dickinsonchamber.com

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