Leadership Lehigh Valley

I started a new program today: Leadership Lehigh Valley. It's a privilege to be in this program, as many others from my institution have been in previous classes. So here's the description from their website (which is about to be completely revamped)

Leadership Lehigh Valley is a private, non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization established in 1985 to provide for the community's increasing need for capable volunteer leaders. Through these community leadership programs, selected men and women acquire knowledge on the structure of the community, and explore its strengths, challenges, and resources. In addition, participants gain understanding of the role and operations of non-profit boards, and develop their personal leadership skills.

Leadership Lehigh Valley is one of the over 60 identified community leadership programs in Pennsylvania, and works in cooperation with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Northampton Community College.

Leadership Lehigh Valley is a member of the Community Leadership Association, a worldwide network of over 1,000 programs in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia.

We meet once a month in various locations around the Lehigh Valley. At each session, topics will most likely cover:

• Community Trusteeship
• Cultural Diversity in the Lehigh Valley
• The Government Environment
• Human Needs and Social Services
• The Health Care Delivery System
• Economic Development in the Lehigh Valley
• The Educational System
• Lehigh Valley Infrastructure
• The Judicial System in the Lehigh Valley
• Transition to Community Leadership
• Media and Media Relations
• Arts and Culture in the Lehigh Valley

Each seminar features presentations from community figures who are knowledgeable leaders and experts on the particular topic. The seminar format allows for open dialogue between participants and presenters. Most days include tours or observations relevant to the topic of discussion.

Learning Objectives:
Each seminar is designed to enhance or underscore specific leadership concepts and skills, such as:

Visioning, team building, collaboration, consensus building, ethical decision making, board functions, servant leadership, community trusteeship.

I'll be meeting a bunch of people from different sectors, with varying expertise. I know this will help me build a greater network which will benefit me and my institution in multiple, unpredictable ways.

This morning, I had a great conversation with a faculty member who helped advise me on some matters regarding big picture ideas that have been cooking for a couple of years. It was just the kick in the butt I was looking for. Tomorrow morning, I will review a few important issues with my previous boss, hoping to find a little clarity to where I may be going in the next year or two.

This year will be an amazing year for professional growth. I feel like a diamond in the rough.

*****#83 of 90in90 for #LUBlogTribe