A Program of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Since the graduating class of 1996, each year more than two dozen men and women graduate from the 10-month long Leadership Petaluma Program. Many graduates have gone on to important positions of leadership in our community, in business, government and non-profits.
The program features one full day of every month dedicated to a specific subject area, such as public safety, business, agriculture, education, the arts, and so on. Enrollees are then exposed to the people who “stir the pot” in each of these subject areas, and are taken behind the scenes to view first-hand the inner workings of our community.
Actual training in the acquisition and use of specific leadership skills is also included in the program. Leadership meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month unless otherwise noted.
As a gesture to commitment to community, the class each year may select a project to undertake on behalf of the entire community. Past projects have included a playground at the child care center at San Antonio High School, restoration program for the Polly Hannah Klaas Performing Arts Center, the striking history mural downtown at Washington Street and Petaluma Boulevard, and the Labyrinth at Hill Plaza Park.
Leadership Petaluma seeks and accepts candidates from all segments of Petaluma society – from business, from government, from education, non-profits, the professions and the arts, and from agriculture. Class members not only gain an in-depth comprehension of how our community works, but also enjoy meeting and making friends with people from all segments of our community.
During the second year, graduates may be called upon to help as a day chair to plan and/or facilitate a session or serve on a committee. Attendance of all sessions is the foundation of the program. Participants who miss more than two sessions will be unable to graduate.
The cost of the program is $900. At least $100 of the tuition must be paid by the applicant. The remainder may be paid by the sponsoring company or agency. Scholarships will be available. Potential applicants may receive additional information and an application form by filling out the online form, or by calling 762-2785.
become the future
LEADERSHIP PETALUMA MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of Leadership Petaluma to sustain and improve the quality of life in Petaluma through the development of leadership skills in individuals from all walks of life who wish to serve the community effectively. This is accomplished through an ongoing educational process whereby participating citizens can look in depth at different aspects of the community. The process guides the participants in the discovery of their own leadership style and how they may provide leadership in the context of their lives. Participants hone their leadership skills through creating and implementing community service projects and through building open dialogue, creative problem solving and consensus building. The Leadership Petaluma experience is both challenging and satisfying, and is successfully developing community leaders with the passion and skills to build a healthy and vibrant community.