DLI
THE DLI CLASS OF 2011-2012 IS UNDERWAY FROM SEPTEMBER 30, 2011-JANUARY 26, 2012.
The future of Macon County is linked to the quality of its leadership. Become an active, motivated leader through the Decatur Leadership Institute (DLI).
• Get involved in effecting positive change in the community
• Build strong relationships to lead and serve the Decatur/Macon County community
• Experience a behind the scene look at community government, business and municipalities
About the program:
The Decatur Leadership Institute (DLI) program is a community-wide effort, facilitated by the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, to ensure high-quality leadership to meet the present and future challenges that face the Decatur area. The program fills the need experienced by many communities for active involvement of informed and dedicated citizens in leadership roles.
Participants of the program attend 14 once-a-week sessions on Thursday mornings from 6:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. where they experience on-site learning and gain an inside view of the industries and issues that shape our region. The program also entails group-based service learning projects and concludes with a graduation in January.
Decatur Leadership Institute (DLI) has been developing area leaders for the past 26 years. The list of past graduates is full of community leaders who serve on various boards and committees throughout the Decatur and Macon County area.
Goals of the DLI program:
- · To identify, motivate and develop potential community leaders
- · To improve communication among leaders
- · To provide a channel for participants to gain access to leadership opportunities
- · To foster a commitment to community service
- · To expand the leadership potential of participants through:
o Education programs designed to broaden their knowledge of the Decatur area and the critical issues affecting the city
o Exposure to the existing leadership and civic organizations
o In-depth exchanges on relevant issues with leadership experts from the community and the state
After completing the class sessions, group projects and graduation, participants are expected to eagerly accept and participate in community leadership activities such as boards and commissions and other community-based activities.
Participants and class selection process:
Up to 30 people will have the opportunity to participate in the program each year. The participants are chosen by the DLI steering committee with the process to seek a cross-section of the community - men and women from different career, educational, political, social and cultural backgrounds.
The steering committee strives to select a balanced class based on the belief that a significant portion of new knowledge and understanding of the community will result from personal interactions within the group. Class participants will possess the following qualities:
• Demonstrate the ability to achieve personal goals
• Availability of time and resources to commit to community service
• Personal commitment to the greater Decatur area and to our society as a whole
Individuals may nominate themselves. These, as well as sponsored individuals, must be willing to commit to the program approximately two hours per week for 14 sessions.
