Last September I wrote an entry about the first class I attended in this program organized by the Redwood City Chamber of Commerce called “Leadership Redwood City / Belmont / San Carlos” — it is a nine-month leadership development program that provides participants the opportunity for face-to-face meetings and hands-on workshops with experts and key decision-makers from business, government, our health care and educational systems, and the community. In sessions held one full day per month, September through June we learned about issues of vital concern to our cities, and learned how to effectively shape the future of our community. I first learned about this class from Omar Ahmad, our city council member, but also my colleage Carrie Du Bois has gone through the program as well.
It finally wrapped up last Friday, and it was a fabulous program. There were about three dozen “students” in the class, who came from all parts of the community — elected officials, staff members of elected officials, folks who work for local charities, hospitals, and schools, policemen, firemen, community volunteers, and local business people. We learned about so many areas that frankly I had very little exposure to, including housing, transportation, health care, law enforcement, local political structures, etc. Of course, my favorite day was that on education! We also had a some great guest speakers, including U.S. Representative Jackie Spier, California State Senator Joe Simitian, San Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon, as well as dozens of other local officials, city and county staff members, and other experts.
They are taking applications now for the 2009-2010 year. I highly recommend the program to anyone in the community who wants to know more about what goes on in our county and wants to get a chance to meet a ton of incrediblly interesting folks who are leaders in our community. You can get more information at fill out an application at the Leadership Class Website.
Or of course feel free to write me with any questions about it.
