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“We need many, many citizen leaders—not just a handful—at all the various levels and diverse segments of the city life—business leaders, neighborhood leaders, city council members and so on…There is never enough.”
-John Gardner
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Leadership Lawrence, a program of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, is a professional development program that provides participants first-hand exposure to the inner workings of Lawrence and Douglas County. Since its creation in 1982, the program has developed more than 650 leaders in the community.
Mission
The mission of the Leadership Lawrence program is to inspire and strengthen active leadership in our community.
Program Overview
Working with community leaders and leadership trainers, class members learn leadership and facilitation skills that can be used to make Lawrence an even better community.
The program begins with a two-day leadership skill building retreat in September, in which participants gain and practice skills as they learn more about specific topics of community interest. Seven additional one-day sessions prepare Leadership Lawrence participants to implement collaborative leadership skills in their businesses, boards and civic groups as well as their personal lives.
Who Can Participate
Participants in Leadership Lawrence are selected after consideration of the following qualities:
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A commitment to develop and practice new leadership skills
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A genuine interest and willingness to be involved in the community
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Concern for the future of Lawrence and Douglas County
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A record of community involvement
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The ability to commit to all class sessions. In addition to class time, class members should anticipate time out of class for a youth project and various homework assignments to prepare for a particular session day.
Selection Process
The Leadership Lawrence class includes up to 35 individuals living and/or working in the Lawrence/Douglas County area. Candidates may be nominated by an organization or may nominate themselves. A Selection Committee of Leadership Lawrence graduates selects men and women from a cross-section of the community, representing diversity in occupation, age, ethnicity, culture and perspectives.
Commitment
An applicant's willingness to invest the time required for active participation in the program is a requirement of selection. Eligibility for graduation from Leadership Lawrence is contingent upon attendance at all sessions.
Class participants are strongly encouraged to participate in leadership training in the fall of 2012 provided by the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita. The cost for three days of training, hotel room, meals and materials will be less that $100 (Remainder expenses are provided by the Kansas Leadership Center).
The 2012 Leadership Lawrence Class application is now available for download. Please click on the link below.
Click Here to download 2011 Leadership Lawrence Class Application.
Any questions please contact Sue Hack by e-mail or call 785-865-4421.