The goal of Leadership Whatcom is to develop the next generation of active leaders for Whatcom County. Decision-makers of local businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, and universities participate in a 9-month program devoted to key regional issues at locations and leadership skill training throughout Whatcom County.  Graduates of Leadership Whatcom go on to contribute to the region’s economic and cultural vitality.

Community Leadership Programs are staples of healthy, vibrant communities across North America.  Leadership Whatcom's curriculum has been developed from 30 years of Chamber-sponsored leadership training in countless communities nationwide.  This curriculum includes a full day each month exploring different aspects of the county, meeting leaders and discussing past, current and future issues.  It also includes a 1/2 day evening session, which provides key leadership skills training to ensure our future leaders are prepared on day one.

The program for 2011-2012 is as follows:

Leadership Whatcom Program Days

Program days are usually on the 4^th Friday of the month, from 8am - 5pm.

Leadership Retreat Team Building & Overview – September 30, 2011 & October 1, 2011
This two day session will provide an overview of the program, address participant expectations and create opportunities for team building.  The class will also address a number of organizational issues to ensure final outcomes meet the objectives of each partcipant.

Whatcom County – Sense of Place – October 21, 2011
The class will explore the history of Whatcom County, its people and its communities.  Participants will hear from local historians and other leaders who work to create a "sense of place" in Whatcom County.  The class will travel to several important historical sites in the county.  This will also be used as further team-building as the class will discuss their own personal histories and cultures.

Economic Vitality – November 18, 2011
The class will examine the economic health of Whatcom County, leading business sectors and employers, and efforts to provide economic development services to both existing and potential new businesses.  Participants will travel to several private sector businesses to see what the company does and hear from the leaders of the companies.

Local Government & Education Leadership – January 20, 2012
The class will meet with leaders from local municipal governments, county government, school districts, and institutions of higher learning.  Emphasis will be placed on the missions of each, how income is generated for the services provided, and how each is coping in the current economy.

State Government – (trip to Olympia) – February 17, 2012
The class will travel to our State Capitol, meeting elected leaders from the 40th and 42nd legislative districts.  Specific issues affecting Whatcom County will be discussed, and students will have an opportunity to see how the legislative process works, and how they can make an impact.

Creating Healthy Communities & Meeting Basic Needs – March 16, 2012
The class will meet with health and social service leaders to discuss current issues and best practices in addressing them.  They will see the Medical Center and other healthcare facilities.  They will also see several efforts to address basic needs issues across the county, including safety, food and housing.

Legal Systems & Public Safety – April 20, 2012
The class will visit with County leaders in the courts and in public safety, seeing the County Courthouse and County Jail.  Participants will then travel to various public safety venues, meeting with leaders in local police forces as well as leaders in US Customs and Border Protection, US Border Patrol and the US Coast Guard.

Community Stewardship & Quality of Life – May 18, 2012
The class will explore the arts community in Whatcom County.  Participants will also hear from leaders in a variety of non-profit organizations which directly affect stewardship and quality of life issues in Whatcom County.  Emphasis will be placed on highlighting areas in which participants can engage upon completion of the program.

Leadership Whatcom Evening Sessions

Evening Sessions are usually on the 1^st Wednesday of the month, from 5:30p - 7:30p.

All evening sessions will provide participants with an opportunity to receive first-class leadership skill training from outstanding trainers with knowledge and experience.  The topics, as outlined below, are specifically designed to provide key information in areas of proven need for new and emerging leaders.