Leadership Morgan Hill is a training and development program created to inspire future leaders to community service. The local program, founded in 1995, is similar in concept to leadership program in place in 56 California communities.

The nine-month leadership program is designed to provide participants with in-depth knowledge of the local political, economic and government structures of our community. The program enjoys the support and participation of many current top-level community leaders, whose skills and decisions are shaping the city now and in the future. By interacting with these current leaders, program participants have the opportunity to learn new skills and develop a deeper understanding of critical issues such as crime, economic development, education and human services.

With new understanding, Leadership graduates have the opportunity to become a part of a network of corporate and community leaders who are committed to making Morgan Hill even greater.

Goals
Graduates of Leadership Morgan Hill will have:
• The confidence and passion to serve the community and to inspire and mobilize others.
• An awareness of community needs and resources.
• An appreciation of the diversity that enriches Morgan Hill.
• A variety of skills to solve problems, take risks, resolve conflicts and build teams.

Objectives
Leadership Morgan Hill is designed to
• Develop leadership and community involvement in Morgan Hill
• Gain recognition for Leadership Morgan Hill and its graduates
• Attain financial and program sustainability through community support
• Involve participants from all sectors of the community

Eligibility
Candidacy is open to individuals who work or reside in Morgan Hill, regardless of creed, race, philosophy or economic status, who seek to contribute their particular skills, knowledge and expertise to the betterment of our community.

Application
If you or someone you know wishes to apply to this exciting and challenging program, please complete the Leadership Morgan Hill "Request for Application" or call the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce at 408-779-9444. The selection process takes place from September through November of each year.

Schedule and Curriculum
Leadership Morgan Hill program runs January through September. Participants are expected to prepare for and attend every scheduled session in order to graduate.

Day and Night Meetings
Participants will meet monthly. Typically there will be 6 all day Friday sessions and 8 evening sessions. Meeting topics include:
Conflict Resolution / Effective Meetings / Local Government / Education
Leadership Skills / State Government / Media Relations / Environmental Issues
Diversity / Healthcare / Economic Development / Ethics
Law & Justice (including Police Ride Along)

Retreats
Three retreats are scheduled.
A two-day Facilitative Leadership session explores Team Building, Creating a Team Vision,
Temperaments, Leadership Styles, and Values and Ethics.
A two-day State Government trip to Sacramento.
A one-day Team Challenge Retreat designed to develop the physical, mental, and spiritual fitness required of leaders.

Class Project
Each Leadership Morgan Hill class will select and complete a class project that is a service, activity, or product that benefits the community and Leadership Morgan Hill. All class members are expected to participate in the design and completion of the project.

Other Activities

Partners
Support from corporate and other organizations comes through the sponsorship of tuition and/or programs.
Sponsorship of programs include donation of funds, meeting facilities, speakers/presenters, and/or catering.
Recognition is provided through Leadership Morgan Hill publications, the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce newsletter and through announcements during the program.

Alumni
Graduates of Leadership Morgan Hill become members of the LMH Alumni. They have an opportunity to continue their participation through Alumni activities, becoming a day leader for future Leadership Morgan Hill sessions, or volunteering for a Leadership Morgan Hill committee.
Outside the Alumni Association, graduates are encouraged to demonstrate their leadership skills by participating in the many community service opportunities that exist in Morgan Hill.

Benefits
Participants in Leadership Morgan Hill report two primary benefits as a result of the program:
personal and community growth.
• Participants develop close friendships with classmates and gain contact and access to community leaders and elected officials.
• They discover unique opportunities where their special talents can be most effective.

What people are saying about Leadership Morgan Hill

"Through Leadership Morgan Hill we are proud to join a community network of enthusiastic and talented civic leaders. Abbott Labs is anxious to contribute to the strength and health of our new community."
Sue Niver-Percy
Manager Human Relations / Hospital Products Division
Abbott Laboratories
Class of 1999

"PG&E has experienced professional growth from employees who have participated in Leadership Morgan Hill."
Drina Collins
Public Affairs Director / PG&E

"Leadership Morgan Hill is a key component to the management development and growth experience the Morgan Hill Police Department has seen in our participants."
Steven Schwab
Chief of Police / Morgan Hill Police Department

"The Leadership program has introduced me to the many facets of the community where I live and work. As a result, I have become more aware and engaged in our community at large. I have built a great network of personal and professional contacts."
Gina Varela Faust
Corporate Communications Manager
Anritsu Company / Class of 2001

"As an alumnus, I have joined a dynamic group of people who provide a catalyst for partnership and collaboration."
Michael Brookman
Class of 1995/1996
1998 Civic Employee of the Year

"As a representative of a non-profit organization,
I have been put in contact with the local and regional pool of diverse and skilled civic leaders.
Pete Zsiga
LMH Class of 1996/1997
Executive Director, YMCA