Community members are looking to unify the county through
leadership.
”
Leadership San Benito County
”
was presented at a breakfast Wednesday morning. Leadership San
Benito County is a non-profit organization that seeks to develop
community leaders, both new and seasoned, said Kathy Johnson,
leadership chairperson for the San Benito County Chamber of
Commerce.
Community members are looking to unify the county through leadership.
“Leadership San Benito County” was presented at a breakfast Wednesday morning. Leadership San Benito County is a non-profit organization that seeks to develop community leaders, both new and seasoned, said Kathy Johnson, leadership chairperson for the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce.
“The best thing we can do for our community leaders is give them roots and give them wings,” Johnson said.
At the breakfast, Leadership San Benito County steering committee and board members were introduced and Johnson went over the group’s goals and mission.
Starting as early as April 2004, the group hopes to start a year-long leadership program for 35 community members. Diversity is the key – people new to the area, young, old, from the private sector, health and education, Johnson said.
“Our mission is to build a stronger community by cultivating a diverse group of new and existing leaders to effectively serve, unify and benefit San Benito County,” she said.
Participants will learn how to hone and improve their leadership skills so they can reinvest those skills in the community. The hope is that these leaders will go on to hold public posts such as coaches, city council members or presidents of boards.
“A community leader knows about the community and is committed to making a positive difference,” Johnson said. “They earn trust by honoring the past, finding unity in the present and giving hope for the future.”
Johnson discussed a shared list of values for the community that included: government, land use, housing, trends, environment, education, public safety, arts, health and human services and embracing diversity.
Leadership San Benito County is still in its developmental stages so there is still time and room for community input. People interested will complete applications and, possibly, interviews. The cost for the year-long leadership program is $950, with scholarships available.
For more information, to get involved or to receive an application for the leadership program, call the San Benito Chamber of Commerce office, 637-5315.
