The Program

"For me, effective leadership means constantly learning caring ways to work together... this curriculum speaks to these needs... exciting... creative... innovative."

- Carole MacDonald
The Inn at Mt. Baker

Leadership Whatcom offers a rare and dynamic venue for Whatcom County residents from all walks of life to develop skills necessary to find common ground.

 

Leadership Whatcom brings together a mix of existing and emerging leaders from communities throughout Whatcom County and creates a learning environment broadened by the broad range of perspectives and experience. Participants will learn how to more cooperatively address opportunities and challenges with increased skills, commitment, and cohesion within our workplaces and communities.

 

Leadership Whatcom is a community-based program designed to increase participants’ knowledge of community issues and skills in collaborative leadership. Our non-partisan program explores community conditions that impact social, economic, and environmental vitality, while creating opportunities for individual development of leadership awareness and skills.

 

Participants gain understanding of their own leadership and communication styles, strategies for collaborative leadership, dynamics of group process and ways to motivate groups to accomplish their work. Participants engage in productive conversations around leadership and critical issues affecting our communities.

2005-2006 Program Participants
2005-2006 Program Presenters

"Geographic boundaries are more artificial than ever before. What affects one part of our county impacts the rest of the county. It's time we cultivated diverse leadership that builds on our similarities and collective strengths in order to creatively solve local challenges."

- David Webster
Northwest Youth Services

Program Design
Leadership Whatcom’s ten-month program is designed by local community members who bring expertise in adult education, collaborative leadership, curriculum development, and community issues. Individuals from all sectors of the community are encouraged to apply. Participants are selected with an eye to geographic and demographic diversity to assure a rich learning environment.

Session days examine Whatcom County’s diverse resources, assets, and challenges, while promoting collaborative thinking about how leaders can support positive change in growth in our communities. Participants also design and implement a team project within the program year to enhance their leadership skills development.

 

Leadership Whatcom is experientially-based, merging interactive group activities with individual learning, skills development, and personal reflection. Learning objectives address three interrelated elements of collaborative leadership: leadership awareness, community, and communication.

 

2007-2008 Program Year Learning Objectives

SESSION DAY

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY AWARENESS

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Sept. 21 & 22

Collaborative Leadership

·  Increase understanding
of different leadership style(s)

· Identify the elements of a healthy communities

· Increase self-awareness of one’s listening habits and explore models of effective listening

Oct. 19

A Sense of Place

· Explore principles of ethical leadership

· Increase awareness, sensitivity to, and appreciation for all cultures contributing to Whatcom County

· Improve skills in discussing divergent and shared perspectives & values

Nov. 16

Natural Environment

· Examine principles of servant leadership/ stewardship 

· Increase understanding of human interfaces with Whatcom County ecosystems

· Heighten awareness of personal styles and approaches to giving and receiving feedback

Jan. 18

Meeting Basic Needs

· Analyze principles of situational leadership

· Recognize challenges Whatcom community members face in meeting basic needs

· Apply strategies for productive engagement when people are in conflict

Feb. 15

Economic Vitality

· Investigate principles of participative leadership

· Explore the unique drivers of Whatcom County's economy

· Increase skills for building collaborative capacity in groups

Mar. 21

Enhancing Quality of Life

· Examine principles of visionary leadership

· Analyze assets, gaps, and resources for enhancing quality of life

· Improve skills in public speaking and building alliances

Apr. 18

Managing the Public Good

· Explore principles of transformational leadership

· Investigate tools for building synergy across organizations and communities

· Practice skills for facilitating challenging group communications

May 16

Growth & Change

· Reflect on personal leadership attributes and commitment to future action

· Examine the interrelationship and complexities of community issues

· Explore models for productive community conversations

Jun. 12

Pulling it Together

· Leadership in Action – Evaluate leadership goals and provide feedback

· Share reflections on community leadership and team project applications

· Practice skills for evaluating, celebrating & bringing groups to closure

Participants engage in seven, daylong sessions held monthly. Each session explores different focal topics and participants consider issues current and future leaders may face. A variety of teaching methods are used to address a diversity of learning styles including: presentations, panel discussions, and interactive exercises. Meals and refreshments are provided for participants at each session day.

 

Benefits for Participants

§         Build strong relationships with people from the many communities in Whatcom County

§         Develop new strategies for effective leadership. 

§         Broaden perspective of the successes and challenges communities Whatcom County is experiencing.

§         Increase appreciation for the interconnectedness of community issues and organizations.

§         Increase understanding of personal leadership and communication styles.

§         Enhance skills in team building, problem-solving, and collaboration.

 

Benefits for the Workplace and Community

§         Broader and more diverse community leadership.

§         Increased capacity for civil, respectful dialogue that transcends partisanship.

§         Increased civic engagement.

§         Growing respect and appreciation for our diversity.