In an ever-changing and increasingly complex world, leaders must be prepared to work hard toward a sound future for their organizations and their communities.

Our current and future leaders possess a wide range of skill sets that help them accomplish more, with fewer resources and in less time. These skills focus on interpersonal and group dynamics, the ability to create a common vision and collaborative approaches to decision making.

Leadership Portage County participants acquire these skills plus an in-depth knowledge of community issues to prepare them for greater leadership roles in their workplace and community.

Exploration of community issues

Leadership skill development

Monthly experiential learning opportunities

Community Committee Component

Networking

Each monthly session is held at a different location in the community that relates to the facet of the community that will be explored that day. The aspects of Portage County and issues and challenges that face Portage County are discovered through tours, presentations, panels, and conversations with community leaders directly involved.

2010-2011 Program Schedule

August 19 - Opening Retreat Day 1
August 20 - Opening Retreat Day 2
September 2 - Agriculture and History of Portage County
October 7 - Education
November 4 - Human Services and Community
December 2 - Economic Development & Infrastructure
January 6 - Health & Wellness
February 4 - Government
March 3 - Legal System
April 7 - Environment
April 13 - Joint LPC/Teen LPC Session
May 5 - Closing Retreat
May 12 - LPC Graduation (5:30 pm to 9:00 pm)

During each monthly session, a different essential leadership skill is presented, discussed, and practiced. Local leaders and trainers who have practical experience and expertise facilitate these programs. The exercises promote learning through open communication and experiential exercises. The leadership skills covered throughout the year include collaboration, consensus building, leadership styles, servant leadership, situational leadership, diversity, creative problem solving, project planning, delegation, positive feedback, conflict resolution, and change management.

After each session, participants choose an Interim Assignment, an opportunity to experience the facet of the community and leadership skill that was discussed that month firsthand in the community. These opportunities involve participants directly into the community and help process the information from the monthly sessions.

LPC participants work in small groups with a Community Committee. Committees are chosen that span a broad range of issues and that allow LPC participants to become adjunct members for the duration of the LPC Program. LPC participants utilize the experience to utilize the leadership skill and community information supplied during monthly sessions. Participants also increase their professional networks and learn about a specific subject in detail.

Leadership Portage County provides networking opportunities at every session. Participants are diverse in occupation, age, sex, and location. Current participants meet local leaders and meet many alumni throughout the program and at Alumni events. Participants are encouraged to utilize these contacts outside of the program.