Created in 1997, Leadership Otsego brings together community members to train a corps of future
leaders focused on challenges facing Otsego County. The CECD administers the program. The next class is scheduled for the 2009-2010 academic year.
Goals:
to promote a civic culture that fosters a sense of community and
encourages citizen participation;
to create a network among key groups that encourages communication
and collaboration, and facilitates mediation of differences
to train leaders and nurture "civic entrepreneurs" whose knowledge,
imagination and energy are directed toward enterprises that benefit the
entire community.
Benefits:
heightens awareness of key issues impacting the community,
strengthens critical thinking and communication skills,
provides opportunities to become better acquainted with the
community,
adds to a professional network of contacts, and
offers interaction with community members who influence daily
living in our communities.
The program begins with a full-day orientation retreat, followed by
ten monthly 8:30 am to 5:00 pm sessions at relavant sites, such as Glimmerglass Opera, Fenimore Art Museum, Opportunities For Otsego, and Medical Coaches.
Topics:
Agriculture & Land Use
Arts, Culture and Tourism
Economy and Economic Development
Education
Government and Politics
Healthcare
History of Otsego County
Human Services
Judicial System
Media
Participatory in nature, sessions
include lectures with Q & A, panel discussions, tours, and workshops.
Over the course of the program, each participant develops a final
project which details a plan for using their newfound skills and
contacts.
