Now Accepting Applications for September!
The Program
The Community Leadership Program encourages leadership and positive change within the Niagara region by developing the capabilities of aspiring leaders who care about the community; who understand its strengths and weaknesses, and who are willing to make a personal investment to improve the community’s quality of life.
Leadership Niagara’s program invests in the current and future leaders of Niagara by providing an opportunity for program participants to explore their leadership style and practice leadership skills in a group setting; all while unlocking their intrinsic desires to becoming an active community leader.
Each year, our program brings together individuals from all sectors and geographical areas of Niagara for a 9 month experiential leadership development program. Through our series of tailored workshops (Learning Days) participants learn more about their own leadership styles and identify the skill areas they wish to hone. Through project work with a local non-profit organizations participant teams are able to reinforce the skills acquired through Learning Days while providing organizational support for the local non-profit in a “dynamic learning laboratory” context.
The training is designed to expand the number of individuals who accept leadership roles in business, government, and social organizations to meet future challenges in the region. Like all other community leadership programs, the Community Leadership Program strengthens the bonds within the region and serves as a retention and engagement tool for our Niagara businesses and non-profits.
Our approach
- Experiential and skills-based learning, community involvement, personal reflection and practical engagement
- Learning Days are facilitated by a broad range leading local academic, business and community experts
- Introduction to current community leaders
- Diverse perspectives from the public, private and non-profit sectors
What you can expect to gain
Since our first cohort in 2007, our graduates have consistently found:
- Personal and professional learning and growth
- Greater understanding of Niagara’s needs and opportunities; as well as that of their employers
- A new-found network of meaningful contacts
- Career advancement
- Improved communication and team-building skills
- A chance to tangibly give back to our community
Inspiring leaders. Building community.
Through experiential Learning Days and a Community Project, Leadership Niagara participants explore and strengthen leadership skills, develop a network of meaningful contacts, and learn more about Niagara’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Time commitment
- September to May
- 2-day Opening Retreat
- 8 Learning Days (Fridays, usually 8:30am-4:30pm)
- Project work is approx. 5 hours per month, but varies and is determined by individuals and project teams
- Graduation event
Opening Retreat
The retreat is designed to give an in-depth introduction to the concepts of professional and community leadership and to introduce participants to the issues and concerns of the Niagara region. You will also have the opportunity to meet other participants and begin to form a cohesive network.
Learning Days
The group meets for one Learning Day each month. Each Learning Day is hosted by a different Leadership Niagara community partner where participants explore key concepts and patterns which impact community capacity building and personal leadership growth. Sessions are facilitated by volunteer leaders and professional facilitators, recognized as experts in their respective fields.
Community Projects
Team projects are selected from initiatives identified as important by local service agencies and organizations. They provide opportunities to utilize individual leadership skills, creativity, group dynamics and philanthropy to create visible and tangible outcomes.
Closing and Graduation
The final day allows you to synthesize the knowledge, skills, attitudes, activities and experiences that you have been exposed to over the course of the program. You will graduate ready and empowered to assume an active role in your community, business, personal life and as a Leadership Niagara Alumni.
2017-18 Program Outline
| Being a Community Leader in Niagara | Learning Day 1 : September 15 & 16 |
|---|---|
| Creating Collaborative Environments | Learning Day 2: October 20 |
| Influence & Impact in the Community | Learning Day 3: November 17 |
| Mindfulness & Energy Leadership | Learning Day 4: December 8 |
| The Community as a System | Learning Day 5: January 19 |
| Leading Change in Our Community | Learning Day 6: February 16 |
| Developing a Global Mindset | Learning Day 7: March 16 |
| Building Inclusive Communities | Learning Day 8: April 20 |
| Celebrating Community Leadership | Learning Day 9: May 18 |
Applicants should be
- Emerging leaders in the private, public and non-profit sector
- Passionate, entrepreneurial individuals who have a desire to affect real community change
- Employees in a middle management role or individuals who are looking to transition themselves into a middle management role within their organization
- All applicants must have an interest in the well-being of the Niagara community
Program cost
Program fee is $3,000 per person. Employers typically subsidize the cost and payment plans can be arranged.
Applications should include
- A completed form
- Your resume
- A short personal bio (100 – 120 words)
- A high-resolution headshot
Application Submission:
Please submit your completed application before July 28, 2017 by:
Email: leadership.niagara@brocku.ca
Mail: Leadership Niagara, Theal House, Brock University,1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2E 3A1