Signature Program

2009–10 Calendar or 2011 Program Calendar
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Leadership Arlington’s Signature Program is a 10-month, tuition-based program that provides a forum for the business, nonprofit, and public sectors to discuss the issues and opportunities facing Arlington while enhancing personal and professional leadership skills.

The group meets once a month from September to May. Each day-long gathering focuses on one challenge or opportunity — from public safety to the arts — important to Arlington. Participants get hands-on experience with the issue, forge bonds with each other, strengthen their commitment to Arlington, and apply their skills to addressing real-world issues.

Benefits
Those who have completed the Signature Program praise it for giving them the skills to better serve the community — and for connecting them to opportunities they never would find without the Leadership Arlington network.

Individuals:
• Expanding awareness of issues and challenges facing Arlington;
• A greater ability to articulate a vision of the community and translate that vision into action;
• Discovering strategies for developing others' personal vision and power; and
• Opportunities to employ leadership strengths, increase leadership skills and recognition of arenas in which a unique contribution can be applied.

Organizations:
• The rewards of networking with a diverse group of nearly 500 community leaders representing more than 400 organizations;
• The opportunity to showcase your organization’s involvement in the premier leadership organization in the community; and
• An opportunity to make a commitment on behalf of the community.

The Community:
• An increasing source of quality leaders for the Arlington community;
• An improved communications network among civil, social, educational, and business leaders in the county;
• Assistance to potential leaders in their development, matching their skills and interests with the needs of the community; and
• A leadership base with a broadened perspective, prepared to more effectively guide Arlington into its future.

Participants
Each year’s program consists of approximately 48 leaders who represent a cross-section of the Arlington community. Participants include representatives from large and small businesses; educators; government officials; and staff & volunteers from nonprofit organizations, including those working in the arts, healthcare, religion, and social services.

Time Commitment
The success of Leadership Arlington depends heavily upon the participation of class members. Selected participants are expected to participate fully in all leadership sessions. Any missed session must be approved in advance by the president. If more than two sessions or either the opening or closing retreats are missed, the participant will be required to withdraw from the class and may apply for special consideration in the following year’s application process.

Each participant will be assigned to a program team. The team will prepare a presentation of a topical issue within Arlington County on one of the class days. The team determines its own meeting schedule.

Participants should commit to attending the full program (see dates on the Class of 2011 Program Calendar) and participating in small group projects.

2009–10 Calendar or 2011 Program Calendar
Get the facts
Apply online
Download application