Volunteering with CCL

Each year, over 100 alumni engage in the Center for Community Leadership by serving on one of CCL's 20+ committees. These committees sustain CCL by providing expert perspective and the energy needed to continually enhance our programs.

Recent graduates of the Leadership Grand Rapids program are asked to serve for at least two years. For past grads of all of our programs, volunteering is an excellent opportunity to connect with other program alumni and learn about what the program is doing today.

Please contact us at 616.771.0354 to volunteer.

Click on the links below to learn more about the volunteer opportunity:

Inside Grand Rapids
Leadership Grand Rapids
Recruitment Committee
The Annual Fundraiser
Leadership Forum
Community Trustee Projects

Inside Grand Rapids

Committee volunteers participate in planning meetings with CCL staff to set the agendas for the two modules. Each module begins Wednesday evening and continues all day Thursday and Friday. Typically, planning meetings for the fall module begin in July. The committee for the spring module begins meeting in January. After the initial planning meeting, committee members are given assignments to arrange speakers, locations and other details. Much of the correspondence beyond this point is done via e-mail, and at times may require 1-2 additional meetings. All volunteers are invited to attend the opening reception and the session(s) they help plan. Service on both committees for the Fall & Spring modules of the program is not expected.

The spring module (May 12-14, 2010) focuses on:

• Economic Forecast
• Growth in Life Sciences
• Regional Growth and Sustainability
• Key Initiatives and Thought Leaders

• Economic Forecast

The fall module (October 6-8, 2010) focuses on:

• History of Grand Rapids
• Arts, Culture and Recreation
• Revitalization of Downtown
• Public/Private Partnerships
• Community Service and Philanthropy

Leadership Grand Rapids

Committee volunteers participate in planning meetings with CCL staff to set the programming for the nine (9) LGR day sessions. Typically, planning meetings for the September - December sessions begin in July. The January - May session committees begin meeting in October. After the initial planning meeting, committee members assist in confirming speakers, locations, background materials, etc. Much of the correspondence beyond the initial meeting is done via e-mail, and at times may require 1-2 additional meetings. All volunteers are invited to attend the session(s) they help plan.

September
OPENING RETREAT
Volunteer Timeframe: June - September

October
QUALITY EDUCATION
Volunteer Timeframe: July - October

November
PUBLIC SAFETY
Volunteer Timeframe: July - November

December
SOCIAL SERVICES
Volunteer Timeframe: July - December

January
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Volunteer Timeframe: September - January

February
QUALITY OF LIFE: ARTS, CULTURE AND RECREATION
Volunteer Timeframe: September - February

March
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Volunteer Timeframe: October - March

April
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Volunteer Timeframe: November  - April

May - Closing Retreat
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY
COMMUNITY TRUSTEESHIP
PHILANTHROPY
Timeframe: January - May

Recruitment Committee

This committee exists to expand the scope of CCL's reach in the community. Committee members work to deepen connections in all sectors, with special focus on sectors or demographic groups identified by the LGR Board to enhance the program's diversity within the candidate pool. Volunteer Timeframe: October - April.

The Annual Fundraiser

The Annual Fundraiser committee plans CCL's major fundraiser which features a raffle, silent auction, and the Distinguished Community Trustee award. Responsibilities include raffle ticket sales, decorations, securing silent and live auction items, selecting a venue and developing a theme for the event. Timeframe: July - March.

Leadership Forum 

Committee members develop Leadership Forum events to maintain community connections, enhance leadership skills and provide opportunities for program alumni to continue their community learning. Six to eight events are planned between September and June of each year. Additionally, the committee addresses member retention with an annual membership campaign. Volunteer Timeframe: July - June.

Community Trustee Project Committee (CTP)

Committee members work to enhance the CTP program based on class feedback and research of alternative program models. The committee plays an integral role in the project proposal and selection process, and supervises the program's progress throughout the year.  Volunteer Timeframe: July - May.