Leadership

Leadership mission is to identify and nurture existing and potential community leaders, to increase their knowledge of the community, and to develop and enhance individual leadership skills.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON LEADERSHIP ALUMNI! Purpose
LEADERSHIP NOVATO provides an opportunity for current and aspiring community leaders to meet and exchange views on issues affecting the future of Novato and its regions. Participants will learn firsthand about the inner workings of the community from current leaders and experts. Through interactive presentations, site visits and discussions the program will:
  • Educate participants about local needs and concerns so they can become more effective leaders.
  • Provide a forum for exchanging ideas among current and emerging leaders representing diverse interests and backgrounds.
  • Broaden participant's perspective of issues and trends.

Who Should Attend & Why
Community leaders, business and professional people, executives and board members of local non-profit organizations and service clubs who are interested in:
  • Understanding the issues firsthand from people directly involved with them so you can become a more confident and knowledgeable leader.
  • Improving your business or professional practice in Novato and our region by increasing your awareness and understanding of local community institutions and their leaders.
  • Learning how to work effectively with local government and community agencies and special-interest groups.
  • Developing personal contacts useful in civic, business or professional life. Graduates become members of the Leadership Novato Alumni Association.
  • Learning the system, how to get things done in Novato and our region and meet the key people important to business, professional, and civic success!
  • Business and professional people new to the area will particularly benefit from the valuable insights and experiences gained about Novato and surrounding communities.

The Program
The LEADERSHIP NOVATO PROGRAM commences the year with a retreat in September. Attendance at the retreat is required. The first session begins in September, with subsequent sessions held the second Wednesday of each month from October to May. Graduation follows on the evening of the last session. A continental breakfast and buffet lunch are provided. Participants simultaneously work on a community project outside of the sessions. The purpose of the projects is to encourage team building and develop community relations.

This comprehensive program consists of discussions, lectures and tours facilitated by top local officials, civic leaders and experts. They will cover the structure, operation and financing of local government as well as current issues related to the economy, transportation, recreation, culture, health, human services, and education.

Applications & Deadlines
This year's Leadership Novato Program's deadline is July 25, 2008. (After July 25th, please call the Novato Chamber of Commerce at (415) 897-1164 to inquire if space is still available in the program.)

To be considered as an Applicant, please complete the application (you can download by clicking here) and return to the Chamber office with a non-refundable $50 administrative fee. Following the submission of your application, you will be asked to attend a 45 minute interview/orientation conducted by the Leadership Advisory Committee and if accepted into the program, your full tuition is due by September 1, 2008.

Sponsorship
The Leadership Novato program relies on contributions to sustain its level of excellence. Sponsorship will highlight your business commitment to developing well-versed community leaders.