Become a Lead Graduate

LEAD’s core curriculum is for individuals who want to strengthen their skills, make an impact on their communities and join a network of top community leaders. To become a graduate member of LEAD San Diego, interested persons must first apply and be selected for the core curriculum seminar series.

Applications for the core curriculum classes are open to all adults and are accepted at any time. Because of limited space and a desire to achieve a class that is regionally balanced and diverse, many excellent candidates are asked to re-apply. Interviews and selection take place during the summer, and the program begins in September.

To be accepted into the core curriculum series, applicants must be committed to active community leadership for the benefit of the greater San Diego region; possess a high standard of personal integrity; have an existing record or great potential for achievement in voluntary community leadership; and have the ability to commit the necessary time and effort to successfully complete the program. Partial scholarship grants are available for select candidates.

Benefits

Understand issues, impacts and implications that affect the region now and in the future
Grasp the “big picture” of the San Diego region
Develop an exemplary network of colleagues and collaborators
Access to decision-makers and industry leaders
Strengthen personal leadership skills that help advance community leadership activities

For more information, call the LEAD office at 619.280.LEAD (5323).

Seminar Overview

LEAD’s Core Curriculum seminar days are held monthly, and are usually full day sessions. The seminars are held over a 9 month period, beginning in September. Each seminar highlights historic and contemporary perspectives on the day’s topic, and features leading experts and key community leaders who are active in the issue at hand. Seminars employ a mix of interactive exercises, presentations, networking and facilitated dialogues.

Program Orientation

In the opening seminar, class members get an overview of the LEAD year, review class expectations and guidelines and engage in interactive exercises with peers.

Leadership 101

This seminar underscores the need for conscientious, committed citizens who can take an active role in community leadership. Leadership concepts, including elements of style, effective techniques and strategies are learned. In addition, leadership skills instruction with identifiable outcomes are woven throughout all seminars and personalized to enhance the abilities of each class member.

Diversity and Cultural Awareness

This seminar expands our knowledge and appreciation of the richness of San Diego’s unique composition and how the region’s prosperity, security and quality of life depend on understanding and embracing diversity.

Growth and Environment

Continuing population growth affects numerous social, political and environmental issues in the San Diego area. This seminar covers how decision-makers can help San Diego’s infrastructure sustain the phenomenal growth anticipated in the region.

Mexico and Our International Region This seminar includes a tour of cultural, political and economic locations across the border, with an opportunity to speak with international leaders about the many issues that affect our border region.

K-12 Education

This seminar explores the strengths and weaknesses of the current educational system, and why possible solutions must be addressed by students, parents, teachers, administrators, business and the community.

Health and Human Services

From homelessness, substance abuse, the elderly and rising costs of health care, this seminar examines the serious issues in San Diego’s health and human services arena.

Law & Justice

This thought-provoking day allows seminar participants to interact with various aspects of the justice system. Class members interact with presenters at locations such as prisons, courtrooms and/or law enforcement agencies and learn first-hand the complexities of balancing law and justice.

Arts and Culture

What impact do the arts have on society? How do common cultural experiences influence the building of trust? How do the arts impact the economic competitiveness of the region? This seminar opens minds to options, creativity and understanding.

Influence: Who Runs the Region?

Communities are experiencing a shift from traditional political realities to a rise in power generated by organized constituencies. Participants will gain new insights and specifics on how policy-making is influenced in our region. Participation by elected officials, appointees, community activists, business leaders and the media make this a thought-provoking and motivating seminar.

Leadership Project/Graduation

The final seminar day provides an opportunity for the class to share their Leadership Project with peers, LEAD members and the community. It is a celebration of completion of the core curriculum series and the leadership project.

Established in 1981, LEAD San Diego is one of the oldest and most prestigious community leadership organizations in the nation and is highly regarded throughout the greater San Diego region. LEAD San Diego’s influential members represent all sectors of our community and are dedicated to providing leadership that is dynamic, meaningful, and relevant. LEAD San Diego, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation