About the Program

Foster a commitment to community service and develop leadership skills applicable to community service and the workplace.

Leadership Southside is a two-phase interactive and informative program that offers skill building, leadership development, and an introduction to Southside Virginia.

Identify and develop potential community leaders in order to build an alliance of the finest potential leaders for present and future leadership needs.

Bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated talent and commitment for leadership and expand that potential. 

A maximum of fifteen (15) participants will be selected from the applications based on the information provided and references. Interviews with the applicants may be used in order to ensure the program's success.

Due to the time requirement of participation in this program, your company’s commitment is essential. Attendance all day at each monthly session is strictly enforced. Participants are ineligible to graduate upon missing more than the equivalent of two program days. Participants and employers must be committed to the attendance guidelines of the program. Participants will have prerequisite reading and studying for some programs. Transportation to and from the program locations will be the responsibility of the participant. There will be at least one overnight stay.

Leadership Southside develops leadership skills by providing information, education, experience, and exchange of ideas. Sessions have included orientation, leadership skills and development, team building, community issues and opportunities, leadership of a business, leadership issues in economic development and workforce development, leadership in education, leadership of a nonprofit organization, effecting change, cultural diversity, and local and state government. 

The First Phase is an eight month program from September through April. The program starts with an orientation, followed by monthly sessions studying specific topics. The Second Phase will be dedicated to a community project chosen by the class and completed by December of that year. A graduation program will be held in December.

Graduates are eligible for membership in the alumni program which provides on-going opportunities to serve in the community, participation in community projects, and continued leadership development through workshops and seminars.

A tuition ($895) is used to defray the expenses of monthly sessions. It may be paid by the participant or the employer. Limited financial assistance may be available upon request.

Please contact the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce if you would like an application or would like to nominate an individual. Email: chamber@dpchamber.org or call: 434.836.6990.