What is Leadership Williston?

Darci Grindheim, Chamber of Commerce

You’ve probably heard of Leadership Williston, but perhaps you’re wondering what it’s really like, how it might change you, and whether you’re the kind of person the program is looking for. Let me try and answer those questions.

Leadership Williston was developed by the Partners in Education Committee of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce to train and empower Williston’s future leaders. We encourage HYPERLINK "http://www.exed.hbs.edu/admissions/process.html" applications from individuals who would be recommended by their employer or organization. The typical class is composed of men and women, young and older, newcomers and life-timers, quiet and outgoing, democrat and republican, etc.

Once accepted, participants are immersed in an active education that will challenge their assumptions, disrupt their ordinary ways of thinking about Williston, and introduce them to new and unexpected opportunities and challenges. While participating, they will engage in a field project, implementing the skills, knowledge and relationships gained.

Leadership Williston begins in January and runs through early May, meeting every other Wednesday for the full day.

The first day is spent becoming familiar with their fellow participants, program expectations and introducing the colorful history that brings Williston to where it is today. Each succeeding session begins with an hour of honing public speaking skills in a variety of formats. Then it’s off to be educated on a particular topic in the community classroom. We learn on location and participants can expect a carefully integrated mix of presentations, tours, panel discussions, and hands on workshops led by current community leaders. The group stays together all day, using the noon time lunch to relax and bond, and prepare for the afternoon session which most often introduces a whole new topic.

Planned sessions will cover Personality Profile, County and City Government, Education, Agriculture, Ethics, Health and Human Services, Law Enforcement and Judicial Systems, Media, Legislative Process and Political Involvement, Arts and Leisure, Natural Resources and Economic Development.

Leadership Williston is for lifelong residents and newcomers alike, for anyone looking to learn from reality and not just books, for anyone looking to develop a greater capacity for addressing the challenges they or their companies or organizations will face. Year after year, testimonials prove those who accept the challenge do find unique rewards with lasting impact for their careers and personal lives.

Graduates have moved up in their careers, started businesses, took the helm of local political parties, brought new services and educational programs to Williston, took the reins of civic and charitable organizations, served on new boards, and become involved in local government. Alumni field projects include bringing Junior Achievement, Make a Difference Day and Marketplace for Kids to Williston, bringing swimming back into the local schools, developing the city’s first website, developing a class reunion kit that has seen extensive use, Light Up Million Dollar Way, the Frisbee Golf Course at Spring Lake Park, improvements to downtown, the Eckert Youth Pool, recreation areas and many others too numerous for this article.

Cost of the program is $250; employers and organizations often sponsor and scholarships are available. Applications are available at the Chamber office. We’d be happy to field the other questions you’re likely to have; call 577-6000 and ask for Darci.