LEAD Community Initiative Overview & Selection Criteria
The LEAD Community Initiative should address a meaningful need or opportunity within the Greater Williamsburg community. LEAD brings together emerging leaders who bring a diverse range of experience and interests. The class term begins in September, featuring monthly day-long educational sessions, tours, and candid conversations with community leaders. Throughout the program, the participants put their leadership skills to work by completing a service project before their graduation session in May.
This year, the service project will look a bit different. Rather than the class brainstorming ideas, the LEAD Board of Directors and alumni will reach out to local nonprofit agencies to get their input on real needs within our community. The Board will evaluate submissions and develop a shortlist of high-impact community initiatives. This should streamline the selection process and enhance the positive impact on our community.
Community Initiative Criteria:
Finite vs. ongoing:
a. A finite initiative can be executed and completed by the class participants within the course of the LEAD program (roughly between October and April). At its completion, the final product can be presented by the class at the end of the program in May and will require little to no maintenance or follow-up.
b. An ongoing initiative will require maintenance or follow-up beyond the LEAD class term. These initiatives will be adopted by an organization for continuation after the class graduates. The class must be able to present the initial iteration or first phase(s) of the initiative at the end of their class term, along with the long-term plan for its ongoing administration.
Financial and other resources: For service projects that will require additional funding, special resources or other supplies, class members and/or partnering agencies may need to raise funds or solicit donations. The time required to acquire necessary funding or resources should be factored into the overall community initiative timeline.
Community Initiative scope: The initiative should be large enough to allow all 27 class members to contribute in meaningful ways. Initiatives may require the class to work with other agencies to access resources, consult with subject matter experts or fulfill regulatory requirements.
Time Commitment: The class is expected to work on the community initiative beyond the scheduled class sessions and related activities. The time commitment will depend on the community initiative selected and each individual’s role on the team.
Community Impact: The initiative should create a measurable benefit for the Greater Williamsburg community and align with LEAD's mission of developing informed, engaged, and connected leaders. Whenever possible, outcomes should be clearly defined and evaluated.