Calling all leaders: young, old

Adults and young people interested in learning more about their communities are invited to take part in Leadership Spokane, which is currently accepting applications for this year’s classes.

The private not-for-profit program is designed to educate people about the greater Spokane area, in hopes that they will be interested in serving their community in a larger leadership role.

Deadlines to submit an application for this year’s adult class are due April 7. Applications for the youth program are due May 19. The youth program also includes possible scholarship opportunities.

Applications can be found online at www.leadershipspokane.org or by calling (509) 459-4116.

People can also send referrals of possible candidates by visiting the web site or calling the phone number.

The adult program is a year in length, and will introduce members to a large cross-section of the community. Members will visit different businesses and organizations, get involved in community service activities, learn about challenges facing the area and develop a larger network of local leaders.

Topics covered over the year will include education, the arts, intercultural competence, media, and the local economy.

Past graduates have included mayors and other city and state elected officials. Past alums also occasionally return to share their stories and experiences. Some graduates are also involved in choosing the members of each class.

Once the class members are selected, the program begins with orientation in August and a retreat in September. The course takes place from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. the first Friday of each month October through June.

Tuition costs $2,750, which may be subsidized by an employer or count as a tax-deductible business expense. There are a limited number of partial scholarships available due to individual and business donors.

The youth program brings together 30 young leaders from all Spokane County public and private schools. This program is nine months, and includes an overview of community resources, instruction about leadership and problem-solving, and details about volunteer opportunities. The younger students also will work occasionally with the adult class on various projects.