OBJECTIVES...

• Identify and select individuals with sincere interest in the community and the potential of leadership.
• Systematically educate and challenge the participants as to the needs of the community as well as the dynamics of social and economic changes.
• Develop an esprit de corps among the participants which will provide a common ground for working together on present or future community projects.
• Create a dialogue and rapport between the participants and existing community leadership.
• Identify organizational and individual opportunities for community involvement and assist participants in placement into these positions upon completion of the program.

STRUCTURE...

LEADERSHIP JACKSON begins with a two-day retreat in mid-September at Camp Mack Morris. The retreat is to acquaint the class with the program and focus on informal sessions of team building to improve problem solving, leadership and communication skills. The sessions then continue each Wednesday for eleven consecutive weeks. Community leaders will be invited to address the participants on major issues, opportunities and problems of the community in which they have special knowledge and expertise. Participants will be given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss with these leaders ideas and alternatives. In December a Recognition Dinner is planned for the participants, attended by company chief executives, program speakers and spouses.

TIME COMMITMENT ...

Certificates of completion will be presented to those successfully completing the program. An 80% (54 hours) attendance requirement of sessions, minimum of 8 hours of homework assignments and minimum of 6 hours class project time are stipulated for graduation.

TUITION ...

Tuition for the 12-week program will be $700 per participant. Lunch and snack breaks are provided for each session. Partial scholarships are available. Contact The Chamber for qualifying information and details.

PARTICIPANTS ...

The program will involve outstanding representatives of the private and public sectors of the community. Corporations and businesses will be requested to nominate persons who are expected to have greater responsibility within the company, as well as the community for the future. Governmental bodies and private organizations will be urged to select individuals for consideration. The selection committee charged with approving nominees will be instructed to seek a cross section of individuals from the community who demonstrate the following criteria:

• Commitment and motivation to serve the Jackson-Madison County area and interest in seeking volunteer and/or appointed leadership roles.
• Ability to set and achieve personal goals resulting in a position in their career field which reflects significant achievement relative to age and experience and/or a record of achievement in community activities which indicates potential leadership.
• Possibility of achieving policy shaping responsibility or positions of leadership in employment or volunteer organizations resulting in the potential to have significant influence on important issues facing the community.
• Availability of time to participate in the LEADERSHIP JACKSON program.

IMPACT

The LEADERSHIP JACKSON program provides participants with a chance to increase their awareness of the strengths and major issues facing Jackson-Madison County. Equally valuable is the opportunity to become acquainted with people from all areas of the community, to listen to their opinions and to share a concern for Jackson-Madison County. The program's full impact may not be effectively measured for many years, until alumni reach their full potential in their respective fields. Many already have advanced to positions of greater responsibility within their corporations or organizations and within the community. It is believed the individual and combined efforts of LEADERSHIP JACKSON'S graduates will continue to strengthen the community.