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leadership kitsap foundation
Purpose
Leadership makes things happen. It identifies opportunities, shapes opinions, and meets challenges. Meeting these complex challenges requires a vigorous, informed group of leaders that represents all segments of our community.
 
Leadership Kitsap was originally organized in 1993 by the Bremerton Area chamber of Commerce in conjunction with all Kitsap chambers, and United Way of Kitsap County to reinforce the concept of informed and committed civic volunteerism. Its purpose is to provide focus for an effective group of alumni who respond to challenges facing our dynamic and evolving region.
 
Leadership Kitsap’s goal is to build a new and continuing source of fine leaders. The program brings together people from many professional fields (public and private), finance, manufacturing, construction, education, law, government, military, media, health care, utilities, retail and human services. It creates a structured system of communications among leaders from different sectors and constituencies, and facilitates access between the existing and the merging leadership of the community. Leadership Kitsap produces colleagues who can and will help each other get things done.
 
Above all, Leadership Kitsap promotes a breadth of vision and an understanding of the complexity of the Kitsap area and its public policy issues. It sharpens the leadership skills necessary to motivate and engage others in a collaborative effort to meet the challenges ahead.

Participants
are selected annually through a competitive process. Leadership Kitsap's goal is a cross section of individuals representing diverse interests, backgrounds and cultural experiences. The program lasts ten months and consists of two leadership retreats and eight forums centered on major public policy challenges. Small-group community projects to create change are an integral part of the curriculum.

Class of 2011
Carlita Alegria Contract Management Services
Jennifer Allik Kitsap Community Resources
Brittany Bakken Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
Schuyler Beaver PSNF & IMF
Colette Berna City of Bremerton
Jackie Brown YWCA of Kitsap County
Brian Bunker Parametrix
Jeannie Bulette Community Member
Robyn Chastain North Kitsap School District
Rebecca Day-Friers IslandWood
Carrie Eastman Sanchez Mitchell & Schock
John George NUWC Keyport
Penny Harrell Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
Dianna Kostelecky NUWC Keyport
Cami Lewis Kitsap County Prosecutor's Office
Jamie Osterman Rice Fergus Miller
Joanie Pearson Olympic College
Nathan Post South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
Sharon Purser Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Cindy Purser Drover Suquamish Tribe
Jeannie Screws Silverdale Water District
Holly Shepherd Martha Mary
Debbee Straub Central Kitsap School District
Linda Testa United Way of Kitsap County
Richard Townsend Navy Region Northwest
Yelena Watson Harrison Medical Center
Ginger Waye Port of Bremerton
Nathaniel Welch Bremerton Housing Authority
Jennifer Yeaman PSNS & IMF
Sharleen Yoakum Skookum
   
  View Alumni


Retreats in September and in March focus on personal and public leadership skills. Individual leadership styles are analyzed, as well as group process skills of consensus building and conflict resolution. These structured retreats link substantive community issues with more abstract concepts of leadership.

Challenge Days occur once a month. Each day examines a key community issue such as governance, economics, education, healthy communities, state government, public safety, arts & recreation, and environment & planning. Presenters with differing perspectives and leadership involvement in the community appear each month.

View 2010-2011 Calendar

Community Projects fill part of the ten-month period. Class members divide into teams to identify a community need and collaborate with existing community organizations in researching the issue, acquiring the necessary resources, and implementing creative approaches to the problems and opportunities facing our region. View Projects List

How Can I Participate?
Leadership Class of 2010 is well under way this year marking our 16th class of community leaders. We are now taking application for the Class of 2011. Application for 2011

The year-long curriculum is designed to help participants acquire both a fuller sense of the critical issues affecting Kitsap County and also the leadership skills necessary to motivate and engage others in collaborative efforts to resolve them.

Selection Criteria
Leadership Kitsap class participants are selected through a competitive screening/interview process conducted by the Board of Directors. A limited number of individuals will be selected based on criteria including the following: commitment to civic involvement in Kitsap County, potential for community leadership, and professional as well as personal achievement.

Class Member Commitment
 
Time commitment:
 Full participation by each member of Leadership Kitsap is critical. This includes attendance at:

• Orientation  - Late August (2 Hours)
• Opening Retreat – 2 Day, 1 overnight at Seabeck Conference Center
• Monthly Challenge Days – Second Friday of each month from 8am to 5pm. October through May.
• Leadership Development Day – 3rd Friday in March
• Personal Presentation – June Challenge Day
• Service Projects – to be scheduled by groups
• Graduation Celebration – Late June
 
It is vital that you and your employer understand and honor these commitments. If you are unable to commit to this schedule, please do not apply at this time.

Financial Commitment
 
Tuition for each participant in Leadership Kitsap is $1,950.00, of which at least $250.00 must be paid by the participant personally. Fees are considered due upon written acceptance to Leadership Kitsap and there are no refunds.
Selection Process - Application is a two-part process: (1) a written application submitted to the Leadership Kitsap office by August 16, 2010 and (2) a personal interview in the month of August 2010.

Tuition - Tuition for the current curriculum year is $1950. At least $250 must be paid by the participant. The balance is usually paid by the participant’s employer or sponsoring organization. Partial scholarships are available.

Non - Discrimination - Leadership Kitsap does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or physical ability.

Confidentiality - All applications are handled respectfully and with appropriate confidentiality.

Application Deadline - Next year's application must be received no later than August 16, 2010.

Please contact the Leadership Kitsap Foundation office at (360) 782-1058 for further information. Apply Now


 

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