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Tom Hanely

"I learned as much about myself as I did about Grand Rapids. I gained critical-thinking skills and a framework for viewing our region and its people. My classmates were three dozen of the area's most dynamic and diverse leaders. Don't miss it."

-Tom Hanley, LGR 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leadership Grand Rapids?

Leadership Grand Rapids (LGR) is a nine-month community leadership program committed to enhancing and connecting established and emerging leaders from all sectors of the community, such as business, non-profits and government. For over 20 years, the program has empowered participants with a comprehensive understanding of our community's challenges and opportunities, providing a broader knowledge of the community and their role as community trustees.

Why does LGR emphasize community trusteeship?

LGR seeks to elevate your roles a community leader by increasing your awareness of community issues and your responsibility as a leader. By accomplishing this, we hope you will act as a trustee by making informed decisions personally, professionally, and in your community involvement to enhance the quality of life for the entire community.

What can I expect from the program?

LGR's unique format makes Grand Rapids the classroom. The program begins and ends with two-day retreats in September and May. From October through April, the class meets for a full-day session, generally the third Thursday of each month. These day sessions, from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, examine the following community sectors:

Arts and Education
Civil and Criminal Justice
Cultural Diversity
Government and Public Policy
Economic Development
Healthcare
Media and Communication
Land Use, The Environment and Sustainability
Non-profits

The sessions include tours, presentations, group projects and discussions with leaders from each sector. You will learn first-hand what is happening in each sector and how the sectors are interrelated. This format can not be found anywhere else and would take years to duplicate on your own. In nine months, you will experience life in Grand Rapids in a new and deeper way and better understand your role as a community trustee.

What are the goals of the program?

LGR encourages community trusteeship, individuals serving for the betterment of the entire community, and is founded on the principals of servant leadership. Over the course of the nine-month program, LGR seeks to accomplish the following:

Enhance your connection to other community leaders.
Broaden your knowledge of the community.
Strengthen your leadership skills.
Understand the community as a system.
Explore the diversity of leadership styles in our community.

What commitment is required of me if I am selected for the program?

The full participation of each class member is critical to the success of the program and your LGR experience. As a result, attendance at each session is required in order to graduate from the program. A complete list of program dates is included in the application.

In addition, LGR participants contribute time and effort to a Community Trustee Project as part of the year's program, and are invited to participate in a number of additional activities, outside the monthly day sessions, to enrich and complete the LGR experience. After completing the LGR program, alumni are expected to make an additional two year commitment to LGR and its future participants.

Does LGR offer anything outside of the class?

Yes, the program offers many opportunities to enhance the content presented during each day session. For example, class members have the opportunity to visit area health clinics before the day session focusing on community health, as well as join a member of the Grand Rapids Police Department for a ride-a-long before the criminal justice day session.

What are Community Trustee Projects?

Class members work in teams during the year on Community Trustee Projects. The projects offer program participants a unique opportunity to work with area non-profits on issues critical to their long-term success. The talents, skills and professional experience provided by class members are an immense benefit to these non-profits and class members have the opportunity to practice much of what is taught during their LGR year to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for community involvement.

Community Trustee Projects are selected following an intense application process. Past projects include: Blanford Nature Center/Mixed Greens, Greater Grand Rapids Reads, Kids Food Basket, MSU College of Medicine, Re-entry Employment Resource Center, Senior Neighbors and Special Olympics.

Is there a commitment after I graduate from the program?

Yes. LGR is successful because of the alumni who volunteer each year to plan the curriculum for the next class. Graduates of the program are expected to volunteer for two years following their participation and lend their experiences by serving on their choice of over 20 committees, which make the program possible.

I have physical limitations. How strenuous is the opening retreat and the rest of the LGR program?

Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of physical limitations. Class members are invited to participate in activities in both the opening and closing retreats that can be physically strenuous. However, whether and at what level you choose to participate in these activities is a personal choice. Over the years, individuals of all abilities have participated in retreat activities. We will gladly address any concern you have regarding the retreat, and we will do what we can to help you participate at whatever physical level you choose.

Do I need to be a resident of Grand Rapids?

Preferred candidates reside in the Greater Grand Rapids area. However, the program has accepted candidates who reside in Muskegon, Holland and Big Rapids, who focus their professional and or/community involvement in the Greater Grand Rapids area.

Do I have to work in Grand Rapids?

Not necessarily. Preferred candidates should work in the Greater Grand Rapids area, however, the program often accepts candidates who work outside of Grand Rapids but focus their personal/community involvement on the Greater Grand Rapids area.

What qualifications does LGR look for in a candidate?

LGR seeks established and emerging leaders who have the capacity to make a positive impact in the community. Candidates should have demonstrated past community involvement or a strong commitment to become involved.

Am I required to complete Inside Grand Rapids before applying for the LGR program?

No, participation in Inside Grand Rapids, our 2 1/2 day community orientation program, is not a prerequisite. However, many use Inside Grand Rapids as an opportunity to become more aware of the community, if they have recently relocated to the area or if their positions require a higher level of community awareness and involvement. Once exposed to this terrific overview of the Grand Rapids area, many Inside Grand Rapids graduates subsequently apply for LGR.

How are candidates chosen? What is the time line?

Candidates are chosen from a competitive application and selection process. Each candidate is interviewed by a team of LGR alumni, who rate applicants based on the content of their written application and responses during a brief interview. Candidates are then selected by a committee based on these scores, the community sector they represent (i.e. financial services, non-profit, healthcare, etc.), past and current community involvement, general interest in the community, commitment to serving as a community trustee and general understanding of the program and its goals.

Time line
Friday, May 1	Application deadline
May - June	Candidate interviews
Late June	Candidate selection
Mid July	Candidate notification

How do I apply?

Applications are accepted beginning in January until Friday, May 6. You can obtain an application from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce or you can download one here. Applications should be mailed to Leadership Grand Rapids, 111 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Applications will not be accepted after May 6.

Do you prefer candidates from particular companies or organizations?

No. LGR seeks a diverse representation of organizations from across the community and does not limit participation to an established list. These include professionals from financial services, education, manufacturing, healthcare, the arts, community organizations, government and other sectors. For a list of organizations represented in past classes, click here.

Do you accept more than one candidate from a particular company?

In any given year, more than 70 applications are received for just 35 spots in the program. For that reason, the program rarely accepts more than one candidate from an organization.

Many organizations regularly participate in LGR and have developed an internal identification and selection process, so their best and most preferred candidate applies for the program. These organizations often rely upon their LGR graduates to complete this selection process. We encourage you to check with your employer to determine if a similar process exists within your organization.

Do you give special consideration to individuals who have previously applied to the program?

Yes, special consideration is given to individuals who have applied previously, because it indicates their commitment to the program. A portion of the application allows you to indicate if you have applied in the past and if you should receive any special consideration.

Re-applying is encouraged because the program often attracts so many qualified applicants. Many candidates apply two or three times before being accepted.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition is $2,500. This amount is most often covered by your organization. However, scholarships are available.

What financial assistance is available?

On average, 12 participants a year receive a scholarship. These range from $250 to $2,000, generally are less than $1,500 per recipient and are awarded to individuals from non-profits, businesses, and government. In exceptional cases, LGR will award a maximum scholarship of $2,000.

What can I expect after I graduate from the program?

LGR is successful because of the alumni who volunteer every year to plan the curriculum for the next class. Graduates of the program are expected to volunteer for two years following their participation and lend their expertise and perspective for the benefit of future classes.

Who are some of the alumni of the program?

LGR graduates comprise a diverse network of community leaders from business, non-profits, government and education. For a list of graduates, click here.

What are the benefits of joining LGR's alumni network?

After you graduate, you will join a diverse network of over 1,700 Center for Community Leadership alumni. The numerous community contacts you acquire will benefit you long after you graduate from the program.

Alumni have the opportunity to attend exclusive tours, presentations and workshops to enhance their leadership skills throughout the year through our membership program. As a member you will have access to Leadership Forum, a series of tours, presentations, and seminars designed to continue your community awareness and knowledge after graduation. In addition, you can become a member of CCL to receive its e-newsletter ENGAGE, an invaluable tool for connecting with other alumni and the community.