The program has five main goals:

• Provide training to enhance participants’ individual leadership skills;
• Provide a framework for networking among participants, community leaders, alumni, and others in the community;
• Build awareness among participants of community issues, resources, needs and civic responsibilities;
• Motivate participants to become more active citizens; and
• Expose participants to new, research-based ideas related to Genesee County’s economic, social, and political future.

Who Participates?

Leadership Genesee includes business, nonprofit, government education, and health care professionals, up-and-coming community leaders, and other civically engaged individuals. Many of these people are new to the area or wish to expand their networking circles and further develop their leadership skills.

What is the Program Content?

The Leadership Genesee sessions will include discussions of the following issues: Personal Leadership Styles (DISC Profile), Economic Development, Regional Cooperation, Media Relations, Public Safety, Politics & Government, Diversity, Arts and Culture, Community Volunteerism and Philanthropy, Human Services, Health Care, History and Future of Greater Flint, and Education. The program begins with an in-depth team building and leadership assessment retreat. Throughout the program, participants will identify, design and implement individual or small group civic engagement projects. Leadership Genesee will also interact with the Greater Flint Youth Leadership program, a service-learning and civic-engagement leadership development program for high school students.

How Will The Participant Benefit?

Leadership Genesee is designed to challenge participants to grow personally, increase skills in practical leadership, network with others in the program and community, and return to their sponsor organization / employer with a contagious vision and energy to make a difference in the workplace and in their community.

What Is The Schedule?

Leadership Genesee will meet almost weekly from mid-January 2008 until the New Leaders Dinner on Tuesday, May 20. Meeting times will vary with approximately one day-long session each month, one-two 4-7 PM sessions each month and two one-hour lunches each month. (Dates below are tentative– some dates may be adjusted.) Meals and/or refreshments will be provided for all sessions. Most sessions will be on Thursdays, with some dates shared with the Greater Flint Youth Leadership program. Participants are also encouraged to meet informally outside of the scheduled times, both socially and for project planning. Participation in the opening session, team building and leadership styles retreat, and New Leaders Dinner are mandatory in order to graduate from the program.

What Does The Program Cost?

Leadership Genesee is a tuition-based program, with additional costs underwritten by sponsorships, grants, and donations. Many employers cover the program fee from their professional development budget. Program fees cover the cost for curriculum, leadership style assessments, meals / snacks, presenters, and special presentations.

The Early-bird tuition rate is $1000 per participant, if registered by January 7, 2008. After that date, cost is $1100.

For more information about how you can become involved with Leadership Genesee or GFYL, Call (810) 232-6425 or visit the other Leadership Genesee website.