FAQs

Download a pdf of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Leadership Guelph & Wellington.

About the Program

Benefits

The Application Process

About The Program

What is a community leadership program?

Community leadership transforms vision into reality – the vision of a strong, vital and healthy County of Wellington and City of Guelph.
The purpose of Leadership Guelph & Wellington is to:

  • Engage citizens in the well-being of their communities
  • Provide participants with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and learn more about their community

Back to top

Why do we need this? What will it do for Guelph and Wellington?

Wellington County and the City of Guelph are growing rapidly, with the promise of significant development in the next 20 years. A changing population can mean a substantial boon for the local area, but it also means that the needs for visionary leadership will be equally in demand.

To develop leaders, the program will:

  • Identify existing and emerging leaders who are committed to helping build an integrated, inclusive and sustainable community and who are engaged in local issues and causes
  • Foster individual commitment and engagement
  • Develop individual leadership and organizational skills, effectiveness and confidence
  • Establish a sustaining network of leadership alumni and mentors

Back to top

What will participants learn?

Leadership Guelph & Wellington is offering a practical program that is interactive and community focused.

Participants will learn:

  • to define their personal vision of leadership
  • leadership and change management
  • communications
  • conflict resolution
  • inclusiveness
  • organizational governance
  • project management
  • leadership styles
During this program, participants will:
  • Acquire a deeper understanding of their community – historical context, strengths and potential, future direction and priorities
  • Understand community needs and work together to meet those needs
  • Contribute to the development of a shared vision for the community
  • Develop a personal community leadership vision, including a self-assessment of individual skills. This will include a plan for participation that result in a significant, measurable contribution to the key issues and goals of the community
  • Understand what is meant by a sustainable community and how to contribute to its development
  • Be able to network effectively and confidently with existing community leaders and expand personal networks
  • Be motivated and committed to participating in a community project or contributing to a community organization
  • Have an opportunity to explore ways they can effectively participate in a community-based project or community board

The curriculum for the program was developed by a local advisory committee, in
partnership with the University of Guelph. An overview of curriculum objectives is available.

Participants completing the program will receive a recognition certificate from Leadership Guelph & Wellington and its community partner, the University of Guelph. The program also includes a formal mentoring program in addition to peer-to-peer support.

Back to top

Who is facilitating the program?

The program curriculum is coordinated by the Training and Consultation Program of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington. A strong community development approach is the foundation of our co-ordination. We’re proud of the excellent community and subject experts we welcome into the program each month. In our first two years, thirty-five leaders from Guelph and Wellington have contributed their time, insights and expertise.

Back to top

Where can I learn more?

Leadership Guelph & Wellington can be reached at the Volunteer Centre Guelph/Wellington:
46 Cork Street East, Unit 1, Guelph, ON N1H 2W8
Tel: 519-822-0912 or Toll free: 1-866-693-3318
Fax: 519-822-1389
Email: info@leadershipgw.ca
Web: www.leadershipgw.ca

Back to top

Benefits

What can a community leadership program do for me?

I will grow personally and professionally.
  • Acquire practical skills and confidence
  • Learn community engagement strategies
  • Gain knowledge of Guelph and Wellington County
  • Expand their network of local contacts
  • Develop a personal leadership development plan
  • Receive a recognition certificate from Leadership Guelph & Wellington and its community partners, including the University of Guelph

What can a community leadership program do for my business?

Your employees will gain leadership skills to drive your organization and our community forward.
  • Contribute to corporate social responsibility and improve relationship with surrounding community
  • Support community development and receive recognition for investment in a more resilient community
  • Enhance employee job satisfaction and engagement
  • Improve employee morale and loyalty

Back to top

What can a community leadership program do for Guelph and Wellington County?

Our communities will increase the number of leaders engaged in the social and political lives of their community.
  • Encourage volunteerism
  • Engage community members
  • Invest in future business, political and nonprofit leaders

Back to top

How can I support the program?

Sponsoring Leadership Guelph & Wellington shows your commitment to our local
community. You will be supporting future leaders and a leadership network that will help strengthen our local businesses, governments, nonprofits and volunteer groups.

Sponsorships and donations of cash will be used to offer financial aid for participants where tuition is a barrier. For donations, a charitable tax receipt may be available (depending on the nature of the donation). In-kind sponsorships are also welcome. Read more about sponsorship opportunities.

Back to top

The Application Process

Thank you for your interest in applying to Leadership Guelph & Wellington. You can apply to the program two ways. Click here to down load a PDF which you can mail to or drop off at our office. Or, click here to apply on-line. Please note that you must complete your on-line application at one time and cannot save it half way through. Please call us if you have any questions.

Applications for the 2011-2012 program year must be received by the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington no later than Tuesday May 31, 2011, 5:00 pm

Who can apply?

The ideal candidate is self-motivated and committed to taking a leadership role in the community, either at work or as a volunteer. This is a program for managers, volunteers and future leaders from all walks of life. Applications are welcome from those over 18 years of age who work or live in Guelph or Wellington County.

Back to top

How do I apply?

Apply online or request an application form at the Volunteer Centre of
Guelph/Wellington. Please note that application does not ensure selection. There is no cost for applying to the program. Participants will be selected by an independent selection committee, through a written application and an in-person interview. An independent selection committee will select the class participants. Every applicant will have a personal interview If an applicant is not selected, they are encouraged to reapply in future years. Financial aid requests will be considered separately.

Back to top

What is the time commitment?  Do I have to stay overnight for the retreats?

Participants are expected to attend the overnight opening retreat, the one-day closing retreat and monthly weekday workshops. Some assignments will require additional time.

Attendance is mandatory. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-bycase basis.

Back to top

How much does it cost? What is included?

The program costs $2,750 for the year. This includes all learning materials, meals and retreat costs. Of this tuition amount, you personally must pay a minimum of 10% ($275). The balance can be paid by you, your employer or sponsor, or there is limited financial assistance available.

Back to top

What happens after the program?

After completing the program, participants will become part of an alumni network.

Back to top

News & Events



Register Now