By: Gary Knight - For the North County Times
Friday, August 31, 2007
It is important to recognize that outstanding communities are characterized by exceptional leaders who demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the region in which they live and have clear visions for the future. What is San Diego North doing to prepare our leaders?
The answer can be found in a program called Leadership North County. This is a program conducted by Cal State San Marcos Extended Studies, whereby individuals from across the region participate in a nine-month course of instruction and workshops.
As its literature states, the Leadership North County program is designed to strengthen existing leaders within the community and help emerging leaders meet their full potential. The result is that the participants build understanding of the issues, challenges and triumphs of the North County region and its diversity.
The program will connect people and ideas to create powerful networks that positively affect regional issues. It will also help develop leadership skills that enable participants to be powerful change agents.
Finally, it is intended to motivate participants to be exceptional leaders who impact the region's development.
The topics covered in the program include:
- Transportation;
- Business and economic development;
- Education;
- Housing;
- City and county government infrastructure;
- Public safety;
- Health care;
- Emergency and disaster services;
- Tribal lands and governance; and
- Camp Pendleton, along with other relevant subjects that present themselves over the nine months of study.
As a Leadership North County alumnus, I found the program to be similar to a scene in the "Wizard of Oz," when Dorothy looks behind the curtain to see that the Wizard really isn't a wizard but just a man pulling the strings. The decisions being made regarding the future of San Diego North are not the product of a wizard, but of men and women appointed by the community to serve. This requires that each of us gets involved to ensure the decisions that are made reflect the majority of constituents and not just a vocal minority.
If you think you could benefit from this program, I encourage you to contact Scott Gross, director of professional programs at Cal State San Marcos Extended Studies, (760) 750-8710. You can also go online at www.leadershipnorthcounty.com. Join the ranks of leaders who make North County so great! |
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