What is Leadership Greater Galesburg?

A WAY FOR YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE 
AT WORK AND IN YOUR COMMUNITY

  
What is Leadership Greater Galesburg?

Leadership makes things happen.  It identifies opportunities, shapes opinions, and meets challenges.  Meeting these complex and increasingly interrelated challenges depends on motivated, informed leaders that represent all segments of the greater Galesburg area.  Leadership Greater Galesburg is a program with a mission of developing informed, committed citizens armed with the tools and resources to respond to the challenges facing our dynamic and ever-evolving community.

Since 1993, Leadership Greater Galesburg has brought together emerging leaders who represent the diversity of the greater Galesburg area.  The nine-month program allows participants the opportunity to learn from and communicate with leaders in an effort to understand both the challenges and strengths of the community. Participants in the program will sharpen their leadership skills and build the relationships necessary to resolve the challenges ahead and work together to get things done.
 

 

Why Should I Get Involved?

Do you believe that you can contribute to improving our community, but didn’t know how?  Does your organization need a fresh approach to solving problems and creating better results?  Are you in a leadership position at work and want to open the lines of communication?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, or have ever thought about becoming a more effective leader, you should think about becoming a member of the next Leadership Greater Galesburg class 

After all, practically every human endeavor requires leadership – whether at work, at home, or in your community.  And each year, up to 30 participants from varying backgrounds and experiences come together to learn about the unique community they live in and how they can engage themselves and improve it.

What will I learn?

Participants in Leadership Greater Galesburg are taught that leadership happens at every level and everyone must take part in that responsibility.  Each of the nine sessions is focused on the premise that you gain the most knowledge if you learn by experiences.  There are few lectures, and most sessions are hands-on, allowing you to work in groups to create results.

From the opening orientation in September to the program graduation in April or May, you will receive an intensive examination of the Knox County area. The sessions may cover topics like history, government, education, media, local/regional economy, agriculture, demographics and diversity, health and human services, public safety and justice, culture and the arts, and quality of life issues. Additionally, leadership skills and community trusteeship are  continually cultivated and enhanced.  At each workshop, you will hear from recognized leaders and decision-makers in the area of study.  You will learn about the community’s challenges and opportunities – and about leadership itself – from the people who are making things happen today.

Class sessions are focused around three main components:

Self knowledge
you learn through the events and experiences that you are exposed to in class;

Capacity and skill development
understanding the different ways that we learn, how we go about making decisions, and how we can collaborate to accomplish a goal; and,

Gaining knowledge about the past, present, and future of our community
understanding our community’s unique history, where we are today, and where we can go tomorrow.  

How do I apply?

Each Leadership Greater Galesburg class may include up to 30 participants who are carefully selected from written applications and personal interviews. Selection is competitive and based on an applicant’s community involvement, community leadership potential, and commitment.  A cross-section of the population is sought by education, age, sex, ethnicity, and occupation. The program is occupationally diverse with participants from many fields including agriculture, finance, law, education, government, health care, media, human services, sales, service, insurance, manufacturing, homemaking, labor, and retailing.

The first step in becoming a member of the next Leadership Greater Galesburg class is completing the application.  You may obtain an application by calling us at 309/344-LEAD or by clicking here.  They are also available at the City of Galesburg City Clerk's Office, Galesburg Public Library, Galesburg Broadcasting, and at the Galesburg Commerce Center.  Applications for Class XIII (2005-2006) are available now and must be submitted by June 1, 2005, accompanied by a $50* application processing fee. 

After being approved, participants must pay a $750* one-time class fee that covers all food, transportation, and educational materials costs.  Some employers may pay the class fee or partial scholarships are available.

  
  

If I become a class member, what commitments do I need to make?

You have already made the biggest commitment:  becoming a better leader in our community and at your workplace.  You will also need to make a time commitment, including approximately one weekday per month for the duration of the nine-month course.  In recent years, most classes have been held on Thursdays.  And following your graduation, you will have the opportunity to utilize your leadership skills as you contribute to our community through the completion of a class project.

As an employer, how will my employee benefit from the experience?

Improved productivity, good communication skills, and a team approach to problem solving are just a few of the many ways that your lead employees can benefit from their experiences in Leadership Greater Galesburg.  Those who graduate from Leadership Greater Galesburg also have a better understanding of what they can do to improve the work environment at your company and the community as a whole.

* Tuition as of 4/03.  Subject to change.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE CALL (309) 344-LEAD (5323) OR E-MAIL US.