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About the Leadership Vallejo Program
Selected participants meet once each month for nine months for a day-long program of education and training. They are also expected to devote additional time to personal study, and to working with other participants in small teams, each focused on a community project of their choice.
One element of the training involves education—learning more about the history of the area, and the major issues facing the Vallejo community and the region today. Class members will learn from people involved in specific fields ranging from education to local government and community organizations. Participants gain a better understanding of the diversity of the community and its hopes, challenges and aspirations, as they learn or enhance skills in such areas as public speaking, creating agendas and running meetings, effective listening, and how to identify key issues and develop consensus.
TYPICAL OUTLINE OF THE 9-MONTH PROGRAM
Topics (each class focuses on one topic)
Session 1: Leader's Academy
The Leadership Vallejo program begins with a two-day academy to introduce participants to an exciting year of program activities. Facilitated sessions will help participants understand their own personality type, while also introducing them to working constructively with other types. Participants learn how these attributes can affect small group dynamics as they begin to plan their group projects for the year. Local leaders, Leadership Vallejo Board members, and alumni provide insight into Vallejo’s many opportunities and challenges, helping set the stage for these small-group class projects.
Session 2: Exploring Vallejo's Past, Present & Future
Participants explore Vallejo’s vibrant history though guided field trips to the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, Mare Island, and other historic areas of Vallejo. Guest speakers share current trends and demographics; this session may also include discussions on the future of Vallejo in Solano County and the greater Bay Area with local officials.
Session 3: Government By and For The People
This session includes interaction and panel discussions with local and regional political figures, with activities designed to provide greater insight into the election process, city and regional budget issues, and local government operations. The content of this session varies from year to year.
Session 4: Health and Human Services
This session is designed to give participants some hands-on experience in working with the underserved in the community. Participants work with non-profits that serve the homeless, those struggling with addiction, domestic violence, and other issues that affect families and individuals in the community, to both serve these people who need assistance and to learn about the wide variety of services available to those in need.
Session 5: Economic Development and Revitalization
Participants develop an understanding of economic development and revitalization in action. Activities include tours of current development projects in Vallejo, discussions with City of Vallejo staff on the current status of development/redevelopment in Vallejo. Redevelopment and current trends in both local and regional economic development are discussed by recognized leaders in the field.
Session 6: Labor and Business Development
Participants participate in discussions with representatives of several labor unions in the community, to learn about how labor negotiations take shape, the legislation that governs these negotiations, and issues affecting members of unions in today’s economic climate. Included in the day are discussions with members of the local business community who provide insights into the business climate in Vallejo.
Session 7: Arts and the Environment
This session provides an overview of the arts community in Vallejo—the who and where and how of the fine arts as well as performing arts throughout the community. The second part of the day includes an overview of environmental activism in Vallejo, the various causes in which they have been involved over the past 50 years and the impact on the Vallejo of today. The curriculum for the day may include field trips to sites of recent restoration or to sites being prepared for environmental rehabilitation.
Session 8:
This session, added for the 2009-10 class year, is currently projected to provide an intensive focus on personal development. Tentative sections may include public speaking, conflict resolution, and active listening. This session is currently under development, and updates will become available as the year progresses.
Session 9:The Educational Fabric of Vallejo
This session offers insights into the various levels of education in Vallejo, including K-12, community college, and university-level educational opportunities. Participants will learn about the challenges and achievements of each level of education in Vallejo, and receive a better understanding of the various aspects of education in Vallejo.
Annual Open House
Typically held in April, this event invites Vallejoans from all parts of the community to meet program participants, and to hear about their community projects. Class members make presentations on their projects, offering the community an up-close view of the process and the outcomes of Leadership Vallejo’s training programs.
Leadership Vallejo Alumni Association
Upon completion of the program, participants become members of the Leadership Vallejo Alumni Association. This membership offers opportunities for continuing education, ongoing community activism, and increased acquaintance with other community leaders. Newly formed in 2009, plans are being formulated for activities that will benefit the community and members alike.
For additional information, read Frequently Asked Questions.
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