The vision of Leadership Skagit is to develop leaders at all levels in our community. This intensive program is designed to inspire people to want to become leaders and to prepare them for these community leadership roles.

Our Goal

Each year, Leadership Skagit will select 25-35 participants representing the private, public, and nonprofit sectors of our community for a nine-month civic leadership development program. Our goal is to create a network of leaders whose increased awareness and commitment to serve will energize Skagitonians to shape our county’s future.

Mission Statement

The mission of Leadership Skagit is to strengthen and transform our communities by developing individual, business, and community leadership that is informed, inclusive, and connected through shared learning experiences.

Vision

The vision of Leadership Skagit is to develop leaders at all levels in our community. The intensive program is designed to inspire people to want to become leaders and then prepare them for community leadership roles.

• Winner of the Governor’s Award for Economic Development, 2004
• Placed in the “Hall of Champions” by WSU Extension

Challenge Days

Participants will gather once a month for an entire day to study the issues challenging our region and to work on leadership skills. Each day will be held in a different location around the county and will focus on critical topics such as: government; business & economics; health & human services; natural resources; education; agriculture; and arts & leisure. Participants will meet with local leaders and learn how to apply leadership skills to current issues within these topics.

Service Project

The participants will work in small teams to choose, plan, and complete a service project in concert with a local nonprofit agency. While directly applying leadership skills, team members will provide lasting benefits to our community.

Textbook

Leadership Skagit is proud to use the “The Leadership Challenge” by Kouzes & Posner. The program incorporates the Five Practices of Leadership into the curriculum.

• Inspire a Shared Vision
• Model the Way
• Challenge the Process
• Enable Others to Act
• Encourage the Heart

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Leadership Skagit will be able to:

• Critically assess and enhance personal leadership abilities
• Access community resources and influence decision-making processes within the community
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse community groups
• Incorporate high ethical standards and respect for diversity into personal value systems
• Be part of a network of community leaders who share a common goal of community stewardship