Class members meet once a month from August through June. The program kicks-off with an all-day team-building event that is followed by a series of issue days that focus on a variety of subjects including:
- Personal Development
- History
- Local Government
- Fine Arts
- Education
- Social Services
- Economic Development
- Public Safety
- Leadership Qualities
Issue days generally begin at 7:30 am and end around 5:00 pm. Employer commitment to employee participation is necessary for each participant, as monthly attendance is imperative to the participants’ success.
Class members must also complete a series of “tours” that relate to the curriculum of the program. These tours give participants a chance to experience a unique interaction with the community and its leaders in a variety of ways.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Gilbert Leadership Candidates are required to:
- Live or work in Gilbert.
- Possess a commitment to community involvement and personal growth.
- Desire to improve the Gilbert community.
CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Each Leadership class is also required to complete a group service project that benefits the community. The type and scope of the project is determined by the talents, resources, and creativity of the class members. The one-day project should involve all of the class members. This requirement is designed with the goal of leaving a lasting legacy of the class within the community.
REALIZING YOUR POTENTIAL
Graduation from Gilbert Leadership is determined by a point system. Class members earn points throughout the program based on their participation and completion of the different aspects of the class. A graduation ceremony is held in recognition of the ongoing dedication of each participant in the Gilbert Leadership program.
“Gilbert Leadership, a program of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, is designed to build tomorrow’s leaders today by EMPOWERING them with the knowledge and understanding needed to create change.”
Michael Kallhoff
Valley of the Sun United Way
