The Sylvester – Worth County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the 2014 Leadership Worth Class. The program intends to enhance the leadership qualities of those interested in progressing community development. Twenty-five applicants will be accepted into the one year program starting Jan. 14. Classes will take place once a month for the first six months of the program, with the last six months consisting of hands-on projects and participation in community events.
There is a $250 fee for the program which covers the curriculum, all supplies, meals and field trips.
“It’s basically for current leaders and emerging leaders who want to do something for their local community. Leadership Worth has started here a couple times, but never been a sustainable program,” said Karon Willis, a representative of the Chamber of Commerce. “What we’re trying to do is make it a sustainable program.”
Willis is also involved in spearheading the program with hopes it can be instituted in the school systems in a way that will spark an interest in the community.
The class will be taught by seven certified board members with curriculum from JW Fanning’s Institute for Leadership Development from the University of Georgia. The Chamber hopes to bring in community leaders as guest speakers to receive first hand knowledge.
The program consists of five modules the class will focus on including: Understanding Leadership, Communicating Effectively, Making Group Decisions, Building Communities through Collaboration and Leading Community Change. Graduates of the class will receive certificates at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner.
“It’s important. If you live in a community, you need to have roots somewhere and you need to grow wherever you decide to live,” said Willis.
The program is sponsored by many municipalities including the cities of Sylvester, Poulan and Sumner, along with the Economic Development Authority and the Sylvester – Worth Co. Chamber of Commerce. Applicants should submit information by Oct. 31.
Those interested in the program can pick up an application at the Chamber of Commerce or online at www.swcountychamber.com.
