FAQs

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

About the Program

Benefits to Individuals, Employers, Sponsors and the Community

Application Process and Commitments

About The Program

What is a community leadership program?

Community leadership is about making a vision for a strong, vital and healthy community into a reality.
The purpose of Leadership Guelph & Wellington is to:

  • Engage citizens in the social and political life of their communities; and,
  • Provide participants with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and learn more about their community.

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

Wellington County and Guelph is a growing community with a changing population. Community members with strong leadership skills and an understanding of our community are vitally important to our future.

To develop these leaders, the program wants to:

  • 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 their commitment and engagement.
  • Develop their leadership and managerial skills, effectiveness and confidence.
  • Establish a sustainable network of leadership alumni and mentors.

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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:
  • Better understand their community. Its past, its strengths and potential, its future direction and priorities. Participants will understand our community challenges and together will find ways to meet them.
  • Have contributed to the development of a shared vision for the community.
  • Develop a personal community leadership vision, including a self-assessment of one’s skills. This will include a plan for participation that will 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 their personal network.
  • Be motivated and committed to participating in a community project or contributing to a community organization.
  • Have had 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 the curriculum objectives is available at www.leadershipgw.ca.

Participants completing the program will receive a recognition certificate from Leadership Guelph & Wellington and its community partner, the University of Guelph. Although not a formal mentoring program, the curriculum includes many opportunities for peer-to-peer and other mentoring.

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Who is facilitating the program?

The program will be facilitated by a number of community and subject experts from the university and broader community. The facilitators are almost entirely from Guelph and Wellington County.

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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: leadershipgw.ca

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Benefits to Individuals, Employers, Sponsors and the Community

What can a community leadership program do for me?

Participants grow personally and professionally.
  • Acquire practical skills and confidence.
  • Learn community engagement strategies.
  • Gain knowledge of the 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?

Employers gain employees with leadership skills to drive your business or organization forward.
  • Receive excellent training for your staff.
  • Increase staff retention and boost morale.
  • Align your business with developing leaders.
  • Contribute to corporate social responsibility and support community development.
  • Receive recognition for investment in a better prepared, more resilient community.

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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.

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How can I support the program?

Sponsoring Leadership Guelph & Wellington shows your commitment to our local communities.  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 whom the tuition is a barrier.  In-kind sponsorship and donations are also welcome.  Please contact the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington to discuss options.

If desired, you will receive recognition for your sponsorship.  For donations, a charitable tax receipt may be available (depending on the nature of the donation).  To find out more, contact the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.

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Application Process and Commitments

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from those over 18 years of age who work or live in Guelph or Wellington County. 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.

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How do I apply?

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

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

Participants are expected to attend the overnight weekend opening retreat, the one-day closing retreat and monthly weekday workshops. Some assignments will require additional time.
Attendance at the opening retreat is mandatory. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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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. Participants are required to personally pay a minimum of 10% of the tuition fee ($275). Financial aid is available (to apply, complete the appropriate section of the application form).

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What happens after the program?

After completing the program, participants will become part of an alumni network. More information on this will be available soon.

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