LEADERSHIP
Leadership is as important to the future success of a community as any single factor. Communities need leaders who have vision and the willingness to make tough decisions. These decisions will see that the vision becomes a reality. Communities with such leadership not only survive, but also thrive.
The Walterboro-Colleton Chamber of Commerce conducts the Leadership Colleton Program to ensure the long-term growth, development and success of Colleton County and recognize leadership development as a specific objective.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Leadership Colleton is to develop a core of informed, committed and qualified individuals to assume significant present and future leadership roles.
OBJECTIVES
• Educate and inform participants of the challenges and opportunities in Colleton County.
• Introduce emerging leaders to the current leadership and encourage discussion and open exchange.
• Build a realistic understanding of the leadership role in the community.
• Assist in placing graduates in volunteer community service roles.
• Develop interpersonal relationships and team spirit
among participants to provide common ground for working together on
community projects.
LEADERSHIP COLLETON applications will be screened by the Leadership Colleton Selection Committee. Applicants will be selected based on a balanced heterogeneous group, representing diverse backgrounds, community interests, occupations and cultures.
Up to 30 applicants will be selected for the program. Deadline for application will be September 1, 2008. Applications must be signed by both the applicant and employer/sponsor and must contain a recent photograph for use in publications and publicity. Proof of medical insurance must accompany application.
Selected applicants will be notified by mid September. The application fee will be billed to the participant upon acceptance into the program. A short orientation will be held in September - time & location TBA. Since the number of appointments to Leadership Colleton is limited, applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years.
Attendance in Leadership Colleton is required. Participants can miss no more than eight total hours of program time. Commitment to this schedule is required since it is conducive to strong team development.
PARTICIPATION in Leadership Colleton is open to persons approximately twenty-five years of age or older, and living or working in the Colleton County area. Participants will be chosen by the Leadership Colleton Selection Committee based on:
• Commitment to personal growth opportunities.
• Awareness of community issues.
• Demonstrated involvement in community activities such as business, education, the arts, religion,
government community based organizations, ethnic and minority groups.
• Commitment to quality leadership in community
activities.
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THE PROGRAM begins with a two-day retreat September 29 & 30, 2008. Participants must attend this session since it is an essential part of the team building process. After the opening session, there will be nine one-day sessions. Each session will begin around 8:30 a.m. and end about 5:00 p.m. Curriculum is designed to be relevant to Colleton County and be current, controversial, and have a strong community impact.
Most sessions will be held on the third Thursday of each month. In addition, participants are expected to attend (as your schedule permits) at least one City Council meeting, one County Council meeting, one School Board meeting and participate in the citizen’s ride along program with the Walterboro City Police and Colleton County Sheriff's Department. Graduates will have spent approximately 100 hours in the Leadership Colleton program. Graduation will be held at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner Banquet in June.
Participation in all aspects of each session is required. Absence from any part of the program including meals and bus rides will be charged against the participant.
Leadership Colleton Schedule
(tentative dates)
September: 29 & 30
Two-day retreat
October: 16
Judicial/Law Enforcement
November: 20
Health
December: 11
Cultural
January: 15
Local Gov.&
Econ. Dev.
February: 3
State Government
March: 26
Natural
Resources
April:
16
Education
May:
21
Human Services
June:
11
Wrap Up
June:
18
Graduation
Broaden
community perspectives
Meet
local and state leaders
Expand
the network of community contacts
Bring
together a diverse group of leaders
willing to work together for community good
Identify
areas of greatest community concerns
Begin
to form solutions to community problems
LEADERSHIP
GRADUATES ARE:
Serving
as a "Think Tank" in an advisory capacity
to City and County officials
Developing
a sounding board for controversial community
concerns
Expanding
the Leadership Colleton Program
Becoming
community leaders in government and
civic areas
Continuing to develop through participation in Chamber of Commerce activities. Several currently serve on the board of director
Walterboro-Colleton Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 426 (109-C Benson Street)
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-9595
Fax: (843) 549-5775
E-mail: info@walterboro.org