Posted by Amanda Bowen, Director of Leadership Programs on 05/12/2022
Leadership Edmond is a leadership development program designed to provide community leaders with a deeper understanding of the critical issues affecting the Edmond area. Leadership Edmond provides a backstage pass to the Edmond community. The program is unique in that it combines people that are already leaders in the community with those that want to become leaders.
The program begins with a mandatory two-day out of town retreat in August which focuses on community leadership skills and team building. The remaining eight, one-day long sessions meet once a month, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and each focus on a specific community topic such as city government, education, heath/wellness, state government and volunteerism. Participants receive in-depth exposure to the critical issues facing the community through lectures, discussion groups, on-site visits, simulations and other leadership development activities. Participants also get a chance to meet key community leaders. The location and format of each session is different. The program enables participants to develop their leadership capacities, build strong relationships and prepare themselves for the challenges of years to come. The program offers many unique opportunities such as participating in a mock city council, serving as principal for a day, and meeting with state elected officials just to name a few. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience.
Class size is limited to 35 individuals. Class members are selected to represent a broad range of occupations and backgrounds. As with all worthwhile endeavors, this program requires a definite commitment of time on the part of each participant. Absence from more than one full session (or attendance accumulation of partial sessions that equals one full session) will make the participant ineligible to graduate. Outside reading and meetings along with one Edmond City Council and one Edmond School Board meeting are also required. Participants will have the opportunity to serve on a local nonprofit board of directors during the year if they would like.
Tuition includes class materials, meals, overnight lodging at opening retreat and name tag.
