Leadership Sumner Program Commitments
Participants attend a two-day retreat, a one-day mid-year retreat, and nine one-day sessions over a ten-month period. Participants will be allowed to miss one full session; however, attendance of the retreats is REQUIRED. Outside of scheduled sessions, the Program also requires a time commitment. Tuition is $300 and includes retreat lodging, all outings/meals. If you are unable to make this commitment, it is not in your best interest to apply at this time.
2-DAY RETREAT The program begins with a two-day retreat at the DuBose Conference Center in Monteagle, Tennessee. Through various activities, a personality analysis, self assessment and the perceptions of your classmates, you will learn a great deal about your leadership attributes and those of your class mates. Participants may dress casual for the fall retreat; however, be aware photos will be used for PR/website. The retreat is scheduled for September 16-17.
1-DAY MID-YEAR RETREAT This one-day retreat is a “follow-up” to the opening two-day retreat. Usually held at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin in late January, at this retreat you will review information that has been presented to you about the community and each other. You will also hear from community leaders who have played significant roles in the development of Sumner County.
MONTHLY EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS Monthly educational sessions are designed to promote interest and awareness of local issues and challenges, and a rare opportunity to interact with community leaders in government, business, and civic organizations. Sessions are scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month (October through June) from approximately 8:00am - 5:00pm. Prior to applying to this program, a candidate should discuss time constraints and scheduling with their employer. Participants will take part in lectures, panel discussions, demonstrations, workshops, field trips and special projects. Business Casual is appropriate for most outings. Semi-formal is required for Legislative Day. Please keep in mind that closed-toe shoes are required for some factory tours, and slacks are recommended. Use of mobile phones is permitted during breaks.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Participants are required to attend additional activities during the program. Activities range from attending City/County Governmental Meetings to shadowing a Police Officer during their regular shift. Each member must also become familiar with and participate in a human-service agency program. Class members will give presentations on their chosen human-service agency.
GRADUATION The program concludes with a Leadership Summer graduation ceremony and reception. In order to graduate from the Leadership Sumner program each participant must attend both retreats and at least eight of the monthly educational sessions. Family members and friends of the graduates, as well as city and county leaders are invited and encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony. Absenteeism will result in your being unable to participate in graduation with your class. In order to be able to graduate with the next year’s class, you will be required to make up classes missed the following year or you will be dropped. Upon the completion of the Program, many of Leadership Sumner's graduates go on to further their education and knowledge on a broader scale by participating in the Leadership Middle Tennessee Program.
Applications are due August 8, 2011, with interviews to be held August 16-18, 2011 at the Sumner County Administration Building. We encourage you to reapply should you not be selected this year. The Board considers sustained interest in making its recommendations.