Dear Leadership Waco Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in Leadership Waco. The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce has offered Leadership Waco for 40 years. The purpose of this program is to identify potential community leaders and provide these individuals with information about various facets of our community. The hope is that with this knowledge, these leaders will contribute to improve the quality of life of area residents.
Solutions to community needs demand the active participation of informed citizens. Leadership Waco offers structured learning opportunities in an atmosphere that stimulates creative thinking and encourages participants to work together to utilize both new and proven tools to meet the challenges of today and to prepare for tomorrow.
Upon the successful completion of the Leadership Waco program, graduates enter a resource pool available to various civic, cultural, and service organizations in the Waco area.
A limited number of participants will be selected for enrollment in the 2024-2025 class of Leadership Waco. Completion of the application is an important part of the selection process. Each application will be reviewed by an anonymous review and recommendation committee. Final approval of the Leadership Waco class will be given by the Chamber's Executive Committee. Leadership Waco participants will be publicly announced in July.
In order to qualify, an applicant must be at least 23 years of age and either have lived or worked within the city of Waco or McLennan County for the past twelve months.
As with all worthwhile endeavors, Leadership Waco requires a definite commitment of time from each member. The program will begin with a one-day retreat in August at the Baylor Ropes Course, followed by ten class sessions held on the third Tuesday, September through June; attendance is required at a minimum of one City Council, School Board or County Commissioners meeting and attendance at a minimum of one local cultural event (theater, symphony, art exhibit) and a group service project. Attendance at each ses,sion is essential, and participants missing more than two sessions will be dropped from the program. Additionally, we are requesting Leadership Waco’s participation in our Total Resource Campaign (TRC). Our campaign is an all-volunteer effort to enlist new members, generate program, publication and event sponsorships, secure budget reduction items and raise awareness of the Chamber throughout the region. Leadership Waco participants will be encouraged to create a team, set a fundraising goal and work toward reaching that goal.
Tuition for Leadership Waco is $1,500 for Chamber members and $2,200 for non-Chamber members. This includes a $100 non-refundable application fee to be paid at application submission. This fee helps cover costs of the program, including materials, meals, transportation, and any other related expenses. The applicant must pay $100 of the fee. The balance may be paid by the participant, an employer, or a sponsor.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 254-757-5613 or rligon@wacochamber.com.
Sincerely,
Rachel Ligon
Director, Leadership Development
Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce