Leadership West Volusia

New and improved 2023 program

In collaboration with the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership West Volusia draws together business and community leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences to learn about challenging community issues while enhancing their leadership skills. Beginning with an orientation/reception, attendees learn to challenge assumptions through both their personal lens, as well as the perspectives of fellow team members and alumni. Directed toward area adults who have demonstrated leadership potential and interest in servicing their community, participants will learn about their county and how they might become more engaged citizens.

Program will entail a mix of classroom sessions, leadership panels and community field trips/tours. (Must provide your own transportation.)

Potential topics may include:

• Agriculture
• Economic Development
• Education
• Healthcare
• Law Enforcement
• Situational Leadership
• Technology/Manufacturing

*Most sessions will be held from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Fridays throughout the program (except for the orientation, retreat and graduation). Lunch will be provided.

Built-in Certificate in Leadership

Through the Leadership West Volusia program, students will work towards and earn a Certificate in Leadership that includes real professional continuing education credits. 

The Certificate in Leadership bundle includes five (5) modules:

• Introduction to Leadership
• Leaders and Work-Life Balance
• Leading and Managing Change
• Leading Teams
• Body Language for Leaders

Program Goals

The goal of Leadership West Volusia is to develop a group of people who will provide ongoing leadership in the community. The program will provide opportunities for potential leaders to meet with today's leaders to gain a better understanding of the issues and challenges facing our community. It will also provide educational opportunities to strengthen the leadership and communication skills of participants. Leadership West Volusia is not an action or advocate group; rather, it is a program designed to help the community meet the challenges of the future by assuring well-trained and knowledgeable citizen leaders.

Eligibility

Men and women who reside or work in the West Volusia area and wish to enhance their leadership potential and service through community involvement are eligible to participate in Leadership West Volusia. The program is designed to benefit attendees from Private – large and small businesses and professionals, Non-Profit – human services agencies, education, religion and community volunteers, and Public – local government, court and judicial and anyone interested in becoming a community volunteer.

Benefits

The benefits for the participants in this program include the following:

• Developing a network of community contacts and building working relationships with community leaders.
• Learning what factors are of significance to key community issues and how, in general, the community works.
• Becoming better acquainted with other community leaders.
• Learning about various community resources, facilities and governing bodies.
• Developing the leadership potential of each participant.

Fee and Attendance Requirement

The tuition for Leadership West Volusia is $1,200. Fees or portions of fees will not be refundable after participants have been selected and attendance confirmed. Participants and sponsoring organizations must be willing to commit the necessary time to the program. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory and no more than one session may be missed for emergency reasons. Attendance at the weekend retreat is compulsory. Those missing more than one session for any reason may not be permitted to graduate. Tardiness and/or early departures from meetings are not allowed. The retreat is a team-building exercise; participants are required to attend Friday evening and Saturday.