How to resolve AdBlock issue? Leadership Saratoga graduates have been making a positive impact on organizations, schools and communities throughout Saratoga County since the program’s inception in 1986. Currently, graduates serve on the Boards of Directors of over 60 non-profit organizations from Clifton Park to Corinth, and volunteer for more than 100 additional organizations, schools, religious institutions and youth sports programs annually. Over sixty Leadership Saratoga alumni have been elected or appointed to local Boards of Education, town boards, city councils, the County Board of Supervisors, the County Planning Board, and various other municipal committees. Fourteen have been hired in government-related appointed positions.
A maximum of 24 individuals will be selected by members of the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board to participate in the 2013-14 class. The selection committee will be looking for participants with a diversity of backgrounds and geographic representation, as well as applicants who have demonstrated an interest and involvement in their community.
The courses, which begin with a retreat on September 29 – 30, will cover topics such as working with various leadership styles, keys to effective board membership, strategic communications and strategic planning, fund raising and dealing with ethical dilemmas. Additional courses will address issues facing County government, economic development and quality of life, educational policy making and more. “There are thirteen mostly half-day sessions, with experiential learning, panel discussions, role-playing and candid dialogues with many of the County’s newsmakers,” according to Kathleen Fyfe, Vice President of Community Development for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Program Director of the Leadership Saratoga Program. The Chamber sponsors Leadership Saratoga, but participants do not need to be a member of the Chamber.
Leadership Saratoga is seeking candidates who are concerned about the future of their County and demonstrate the interest and skills to provide leadership in community service. All participants must live in Saratoga County (or demonstrate a strong volunteer involvement in the County) and must agree to attend at least 80% of the sessions. Cost of the program is $1,100. Tuition assistance is available, including partial grants and one full scholarship provided by the Linda G. Toohey Leadership Saratoga Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.
An optional meeting to gather more information about the program will be held on Monday, May 6th from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, 28 Clinton Street, Saratoga Springs. For more information and to apply, interested persons may go to www.leadershipsaratoga.org. To request a brochure, contact the Saratoga County Chamber at (518) 584-3255. The deadline for completed applications and four brief interviews is 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 29.
