Leadership Omaha
Now entering its 33rd year, Leadership Omaha is a program of the Greater Omaha Chamber. The mission of the program is to develop effective community leaders who will strengthen and transform the community. Applications are now closed for Class 33.
Lynda Shafer, manager of leadership and workforce development for the Greater Omaha Chamber, coordinates the program along with volunteer leadership. Contact Lynda at (402) 978-7928 or lshafer@omahachamber.org.
LEADERSHIP OMAHA SELECTION:
Forty-three to 48 participants are selected for each class. The selection committee ensures the class reflects the diversity of the community-at-large. Selection is based on the following criteria.
- Demonstrated prior community volunteer involvement as well as leadership.
- Expressed desire to contribute both time and energy toward serving the community.
- Demonstrated interest in and understanding of the Omaha community.
- Demonstrated professional growth and leadership.
LEADERSHIP OMAHA PROGRAMMING:
Leadership Omaha is a 10-month program open to participants who live or work in the Greater Omaha area. Seminar dates are below. With the exception of the Opening Retreat, seminars run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A reception follows each seminar. Tuition for the program is $1,950, with limited scholarship assistance available.
The Leadership Omaha curriculum focuses on community trusteeship, leadership styles, and community awareness. A committee of community volunteers and Leadership Omaha alumni, supported by Chamber staff, plans the program's curriculum. Seminar days provide participants with a sense of where things are, how they work, and who the leaders are, offering different perspectives on many issues.
Small group activity is a core part of the programming. In addition, class members have the opportunity to participate in a police ride-along. Graduates are encouraged to take part in boardsmanship training, learning board fundamentals, in the year following graduation.
Leadership Omaha Goals:
- Communication - To provide opportunities for communication among emerging and established leaders.
- Awareness - To develop participant awareness of the Greater Omaha community, its problems, challenges, and opportunities, by examining the major systems and the interrelationships that contribute to patterns of life in the city.
- Leadership - To explore the aspects of leadership and help participants identify and enhance their own leadership styles with emphasis on the community perspective.
- Motivation - To create an environment in which participants are motivated to develop a sense of community trusteeship and encouraged to assume leadership roles in community affairs.
Leadership Omaha depends on wide community volunteer representation, alumni involvement, and Chamber staff support to maintain the program committees. Approximately 20 volunteers organize and run the program with over 100 resource people including government officials, experts and decision-makers as speakers.
The program is evaluated through questionnaires completed by participants, tabulated by staff and analyzed by the Curriculum Committee. Graduates of Leadership Omaha are surveyed annually to determine the long-term impact of the program.
Leadership Omaha Class 33 Dates (Program participants must attend 80% of seminars to graduate and join the Leadership Omaha Alumni Association.)
- Orientation Breakfast - August 20
- Mandatory retreat - Sept. 26-28
- Inclusivity Seminar - Oct. 21
- Education Seminar - Nov. 18
- Government Seminar - Dec. 8
- Justice & Media Seminar - Jan. 20
- Human Services Seminar - Feb. 17
- Community Trusteeship Seminar - March 17
- Business & Economic Development Seminar - April 21
- City Environment Seminar - May 19
- Closing Seminar - June 9
- Graduation Luncheon - June 16