The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber is accepting applications for its 2011 Leadership 21 program, which gets under way with an orientation Jan. 8.
Started in 1996, Leadership 21’s mission is to provide “an intensive, dynamic leadership program that challenges, educates, and develops a diverse, select group of emerging leaders in southern Wayne County.”
Several hundred people have completed the program since its inception as a joint venture between the chamber and the University of Michigan-Dearborn, but each individual class year typically is limited to just 21 enrollees. Dozens of local leaders working in business, government, education, with area civic groups, health services and community organizations are graduates of the Leadership 21 program.
The deadline for submitting an application for the upcoming session is Dec. 17.
Chamber President Sandy Mull said the program strives to prepare participants to lead with a vision, to effect a positive change in the community on a long-term basis, to interpret complex social and economic issues, and to establish a network of community leaders.
Individuals can submit applications for themselves or nominate others for the program. Leaders who have taken the program often send other members of their organizations to future sessions.
“It’s important that you speak with the potential candidate to be sure he or she is interested in the program before sending your recommendations,” Mull said.
Following the Jan. 8 orientation session at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, class members will participate in a series of monthly programs designed to provide them with new knowledge and insights about the region’s key sectors. Those sectors include economic development, health care, education, government, leadership and quality of life. There also is a graduation program in June, after all of the sessions are completed.
Tuition for the program is $995 a person.
For complete details on the application process and the requirements for candidates entering the program, contact Mull at (734) 284-6000 or [email protected].