jefferson leadership institute

The Jefferson Leadership Institute is a leadership development program that immerses participants in community issues through twelve full day sessions that run from September through June. The curriculum enables participants to develop their leadership capabilities, build strong relationships and encourages involvement in effecting positive change in the community.

The program was formulated in 1991 when a number of community leaders recognized that the same few people were serving on many Boards, and that major community decisions were being made by a very small group of people. They recognized that the future of the Jefferson County area is directly linked to the quality of its leadership, and that dedicated, trained and motivated community leaders shape and determine the future of the region. The “founders” decided that a leadership program was needed to teach and cultivate new community leaders, and to help move those participants into important positions within the community.

The JLI program was modeled after several existing leadership programs, and over the years has been modified to best suit the specific needs of our county. It is organized and coordinated by the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, a well-respected, countywide business association, with staff specifically dedicated to its implementation. The curriculum includes an overnight retreat where the new class has the opportunity to get to know each other and to learn about the concepts of group dynamics and individual leadership skills within a group setting. Over the next few months, the class participates in discussions with recognized authorities, site visits, and analysis of issues of community concern in education, healthcare, media and telecommunications, government, tourism, non-profit organizations, agriculture, history, economic development, and the significance of Fort Drum to the region. One class focuses on the skills needed to be an effective leader, and includes a mock board meeting. Throughout the year, the class learns critical skills, such as collaboration, visioning, consensus building, and creative problem solving in addressing the needs of the community.

The curriculum includes:

Opening Retreat
At the retreat, the initial meeting of the JLI, the class has an opportunity to get to know each other and to review the concepts of group dynamics and individual leadership skills within group settings. Individually and in teams, the participants explore perceptions of our community, its people, and its future, and begin to learn how important volunteerism is to the health of a community.

History: From Yesterday to Today
What better way to begin to understand how and why Jefferson County is what it is today than with an overview of our history. Classes learn about the early settlers, the important leaders, our role in the War of 1812, the significance of the Black River, the forest industry and agriculture in our emerging economy, and more. The day includes presentations and discussions with local historians, a tour of some of the county’s most significant historic sites, and a visit to the Jefferson County Historical Society.

Business and the Economy - Today and Tomorrow
The vision for the economy of Jefferson County and our region, the opportunities available to our residents, the steps that are taken to attract and retain businesses, the challenges faced by the region, and our economic viability are discussed with economic development specialists at this session. Business and industry are the focus of the class, with a tour of local manufacturers included in the program.

Communications in the 21st Century: The Media and Telecommunications
Beginning with a panel discussion by the leaders of our local media, the morning session looks at the role of the media in the community - what they contribute, their obligation to the community, what the future looks like for television, newspaper and radio, and some of their challenges. The class learns how non-profits, businesses, agencies, and individuals can work more effectively with the media. The afternoon session addresses how the Internet, websites, e-mail and e-commerce are changing our lives and the way we communicate.

An Inside Look at Government
This session explores the role and structure of village, town, city, county and state government - including the legislatures, the courts and law enforcement - and presents some of the many challenges faced by each branch of our system of government. A portion of the afternoon is spent in a mock legislative session, where participants learn what it is actually like to come to consensus and pass tough legislation.

Health Care in Jefferson County
Half of this day is spent reviewing and discussing the continuum of the health care system in Jefferson County. Beginning with an introduction to physician and outpatient care, the discussion continues with hospital and other medical services, and outpatient services (including adult homes, assisted living, and long term care. Representatives from the leading hospitals, mental health services, the Health Care Alliance, and other health related agencies discuss available services and trends in medical care. The rest of the session is devoted to the critical issues in health care; staffing, finances, and regulatory requirements, and is presented by a panel of key health care professionals.

Education and Life Long Learning: The Cornerstone of a Healthy Community
During the morning session, the class learns about the educational system in Jefferson County from grades K – 12 - college. A panel of leading educators leads the presentation and discussion, which covers topics that include home schooling, charter schools, and the challenges facing educators in today’s competitive and changing economic climate. The afternoon session focuses on lifetime learning and the new technologies that have created opportunities for learning as never before. Distance learning, interactive teleconferencing classrooms, on-line courses, virtual seminars are explored.

The Non-Profits: Important Assets to Jefferson County
This session focuses on the non-profit agencies and organizations in Jefferson County. Classes learn about how the non-profits work, what they mean to a healthy community, the threats to the continuation of their successes, and how, as individuals, class members can help to keep the system strong. Representatives of many of the non-profit organizations are on hand to discuss their programs with participants, and to provide a panel presentation and round table discussions for further understanding. Class members are able to identify organizations that they are interested in supporting.

Fort Drum: A Critical Part of Our Community
The day begins with an informal welcome session hosted by the Garrison Commander, outlining the demographics, economic impact, and overall mission of this exceptional US Army facility. The class spends the rest of the day visiting various post facilities to see soldiers, civilian employees, reserve component, and other members of the post community in action. During the lunch break, representatives from the Ft. Drum Regional Liaison Organization and the local chapter of the Association of the United States Army discuss their important roles in support of the military community.

Tourism and Natural Resources
This session features a tour of some of the significant tourist attractions in Jefferson County, including sites on the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, the Black River, and the Tug Hill region. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are included to discuss their role in the tourism industry. Participants meet business owners involved in tourism, and participate in a lively discussion of the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism industry in Jefferson County and the North Country.

Leadership Development
This class focuses on some of the skills needed to be an effective leader – strategic planning, public speaking, listening skills, Board participation in management, financial responsibilities, parliamentary procedure, and more. The class participates in a mock board meeting in which the group must resolve a realistic issue. The afternoon session focuses on leadership traits and resources. Real community issues are introduced and participants help to apply their leadership skills in problem solving.

Agriculture
The Agriculture Day gives participants an overview of Jefferson County’s oldest industry, and still one of its most vibrant. Industry leaders discuss local agriculture’s strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and the class tours some of the most modern dairy farms. With the development of the county’s new Wine Trail, the class learns about the developing wine industry and other alternative agri-businesses.

The Chamber and its Advisory Committee select the class facilitators, who are all experts in each topic to be presented. Each of the facilitators is free to define the curriculum for their program and to bring in other experts to speak.

The student selection process seeks to find individuals who show commitment and motivation to serve the Jefferson County area. Participants are selected from written applications, and include a diverse group of small business owners, public servants, corporate executives, non-profit and social service agency professionals, the faith community, and the community-at-large. The breadth and relevancy of the curriculum provide a valuable experience for newcomers and long time members of the community alike.

The Jefferson Leadership Institute is a very important development program in Jefferson County and for the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce. Since its inception, it has created a base of new leaders for the community to draw from for all levels of volunteerism. Whether in service as a volunteer, as a director on a board, or as a public official, the information and community overview that is provided by the program make every graduate a knowledgeable and valuable member of the community. 

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Class of 2010 YearbookClick here for the:
Jefferson Leadership Institute Application