Women's Political Power Map

Leadership Akron is a leadership development class that meets once-monthly to educate class members about vital aspects of the greater Akron community. Each year, 34 participants are selected to analyze major areas of community concern, provides opportunities for open dialogue between leaders with diverse perspectives, examines leadership styles, and promotes a network of community trustees committed to the greater good. The program year includes two city tours in August, a two-day retreat in September, and once-monthly sessions from the end of September through May that focus on issues important to the region.

Founded in 1990, Leadership Alabama is a statewide nonprofit organization that each year brings together a class of 50-60 participants for four two-and-one-half-day retreats over a nine month period. The program develops participants' leadership skills through a series of issues-oriented forums on politics and government, education, business and economics, and quality of life, among other topics. Class members visit communities across the state, and as they seek a mutual understanding of the problems and priorities facing the state, they also seek to invent vital solutions to the challenges that define the future of the state.

Alaska Humanities Forum

Each year, 20 individuals participate in ten full-day sessions of interviews, speaker presentations, readings and group activities designed to facilitate the development of critical leadership skill sets. The keystones of the program are a one-on-one mentorship program, a group project fulfilling an expressed need in the community, and a series of readings in the humanities. Participants emerge from the program prepared to fill leadership roles, filled with the desire to tackle a diverse array of community problems and challenges.

Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Arkansas

Created by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, Inc., Leadership Arkansas identifies and trains individuals with the passion and commitment to become personally engaged in issues, programs and activities aimed at building a better Arkansas.  Over a nine month period, about 45 participants receive the equivalent of a post graduate degree in how Arkansas works in a monthly program that allows them to see first-hand the challenges and accomplishments of local communities. Leadership Arkansas is also supported by the Arkansas General Assembly, with the former Speaker of the House serving as a class chairman and members of the General Assembly participating in the classes. 

Leadership Arlington's Signature Program is a ten-month program that provides a forum for the business, nonprofit, and public sectors to discuss the issues and opportunities facing Arlington while enhancing personal and professional leadership skills.  Forty-eight chosen area leaders meet once a month from September to May for day-long gatherings focused on one challenge or opportunity  from public safety to the arts  important to Arlington. 

Leadership Institute

Leadership Atlantas eight month program educates committed citizens about the needs of and issues facing the Atlanta community.  Approximately 70 participants are selected annually to participate in monthly, day-long programs designed to give them exposure and perspective in a variety of areas such as criminal justice, poverty, education, and race relations.

Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Augusta was established in 1980 to enhance the civic participation of emerging leaders within the region. Leadership Augusta selects approximately 30 individuals annually to participate in a ten-month program oriented to developing leadership skills, fostering understanding of the major issues facing the region, improving the communications network among leaders of disparate backgrounds and interests, and motivating them to contribute through voluntary participation in civic activities.

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Aurora is a ten-month community leadership development program that educates and prepares participants to take on leadership roles in Aurora's public and private sectors.  Each year, local businesses, organizations, and agencies identify candidates who are encourage to apply; 35-40 class members are selected participate in an opening retreat and eight full-day sessions held on the third Thursday of each month.  Session topics include quality of life, education, media training, criminal justice, economy and infrastructure, military/government, healthcare, fire protection services, and leadership training.

Leadership Institute

Established in 1979, the Leadership Austin Essential Class is a nine-month program that focuses on regional issues, leadership skills, and the building of strong networks to encourage innovative, collaborative solutions to the region's challenges.The Leadership Austin Essential Class interweaves three curriculum elements in monthly sessions and activities: an in-depth exploration of the regions horizon issues; an opportunity for experienced civic leaders to hone leadership competencies; and the opportunity for diverse participants to extend their connections to better serve their civic and professional goals. The program is targeted to individuals who have already gained significant experience in civic leadership roles. Many graduates now serve on the policy boards of many local and national organizations, foundations, chambers of commerce, and schools.

Leadership Birmingham is a nine-month leadership development program that educates participants on issues important to the region while preparing them to take active leadership roles. Forty to 46 leaders are selected each year to participate in eight monthly meetings (about 13 hours each) with off-site sessions and two retreats. Session topics include education, government, justice, community development, health, human services, quality of life, and economic development.

Leadership Blount County is a community leadership enhancement and development program designed to provide a large number of well-trained, highly motivated citizens to assume leadership roles in civic, educational, economic development, cultural and philanthropic organizations and groups in Blount County. Each year, a class of approximately 36 people is selected by a volunteer committee of alumni from nominations received from the community. The board and staff plan and conduct full-day sessions each month for the ten-month duration of the annual program. Monthly topics include: -- Getting to Know Blount County/ -- Business and Industry/ -- Education, Health Care and Religion/ -- Growth and Development/ -- Infrastructure/ -- Social Services/ -- Arts and Leisure/ -- the National Park Service/ -- the Justice System/ -- Government.

Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1975, Leadership Boise is ten-month program preparing participants for civic leadership.  Each year, 45-48 applicants are selected to participate in monthly day-long sesions examining the community issues and discussing leadership skills.  Session topics include quality of life, education, infrastructure and environment, media, business, healtchare, and community service.  Participants are expected to participate in a second year of the program, where they plan Leadership Boise and Leadership Boise Academy (for youth) sessions. 

Leadership Buffalo is a leadership development organization dedicated to training and educating individuals on issues and skills important to the community. Each year, particpants chosen based upon their community service and leadership potential are chosen to attend once-monthly sessions that explore the challenge, concept and practice of leadership along with topics including economic development, criminal justice, aging in the community, regional partnerships, human services, education, race relations, health care, poverty, community logic, and the arts. In addition to the Class Experience, Leadership Buffalo offers leadership programs for youth, executives, and community facilitators.

Leadership Charlotte, a community leadership development organization, operates a ten-month program in which participants meet with community leaders, are exposed to major issues affecting the region, and address community needs in a hands-on manner. Monthly program days focus on Charlotte's history and heritage, arts and culture, education, health care, government and politics, diversity, quality of life, human services, and community trusteeship.

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

Leadership Cincinnati USA is a ten-month program offered by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber to prepare participants for more active involvement in public affairs. Approximately 48 people are chosen annually to participate in eight day-long sessions, two overnight conferences, and a graduation program. Program sessions and conferences educate participants on issues most important to the Greater Cincinnati community whilte encouraging civic responsibility, engagement, and leadership upon concluding the program.

Cleveland Leadership Center

The Cleveland Leadership Center offers a number of programs to develop area leaders and encourage greater civic engagement among Cleveland professionals. Leadership Cleveland is a nine-month program for 65 selected community leaders from all sectors to learn about the issues facing Cleveland and develop potential solutions to area challenges through once-monthly sessions and program events. The Cleveland Leadership Center also offers the Cleveland Executive Fellowship for civic leaders, Cleveland Bridge Builders to connect emerging leaders with established community leaders, and the Civic Leadership Institute for individuals interested in greater civic engagement in the region.

Leadership Columbus offers educational programs to develop informed and committed leaders in the Columbus community.  The 10-month Signature Program includes a retreat and nine monthly program days that focus on significant challenges to the Central Ohio region, including the economy, diversity, the justice system, public education and human and social service issues. Leadership Columbus also offers a two-and-a-half-day program (FOCUS) where participants learn about community issues from top city, corporate and community leaders.

Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1972 by the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Corpus Christi is a nine-month training program for emerging and existing leaders that builds the needed skills, knowledge, motivation, and vision to develop a stronger community.  Selected participants attend monthly day-long sessions, in addition to educational retreats and community service activities.

Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1975, Leadership Dallas is a ten-month educational program addressing issues most important to the Dallas community and developing participants' leadership skills.  Up to 55 participants are selected each year for day-long monthly sessions on topics including: human services, government and politics, economic development, diversity, health care, criminal justice, education, arts and culture. 

Established in 2008, Leadership Delaware, Inc. recruits and mentors young Delawareans (aged 25-40) who have the capacity, desire and courage to seek and excel at community, non-profit, political, professional and corporate leadership within the state. Selected individuals attend 10 monthly sessions (2 days each) throughout the state, where they are trained in public speaking, critical thinking skills and leadership. Sessions also develop leadership skills like networking, communicating, decision making and mediating.