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 education, experience, and exchange of ideas. 
The First Phase begins with an orientation in September leading into an eight month program from October through May. Monthly sessions are conducted in workshop or panel discussion format and have included topics such as leadership skills and development, team building, vision and mission, ethical decision making, core values, managing conflict, transformational leadership, crisis leadership and communication, creativity, effective communication skills, effective facilitation, leadership from a state perspective, and board leadership.

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 will be provided on-going opportunities to serve in the community, participate in community projects, and continue leadership development through Chamber sponsored 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.