LEADERSHIP SANDPOINT
The purpose of Leadership Sandpoint is to provide a focused opportunity for participants to hone their leadership skills through educational sessions and activities in a group setting that nurtures free thinking, idea-sharing, and problem solving.
These emerging and existing leaders are educated as to the needs and potential of the community, in addition to the dynamics of social and economic challenges. Through the experience, participants develop a can-do attitude, which provides common ground for working on present and future community projects. The continued growth of the Greater Sandpoint Area, including Ponderay, Dover, Kootenai, and Sagle, signals the need for trained, informed, and responsible leaders. The Leadership Sandpoint Program is seeking individuals who are interested in developing their skills as leaders, increasing their knowledge of our community, and exploring their role in contributing to community affairs.
The Program
During nine monthly day-long sessions, participants will learn new perspectives and approaches to leadership development through immersed experiences supported by expert instructors and community members.
Leadership Sandpoint seeks to provide positive outcomes to the following groups:
- The Individual, through community interconnection, collaborative leadership, and increased potential to expand their leadership role.
- The Employer, by providing them with skilled, competent, ethical, and professional leaders.
- The Community, through developing leaders who have gained wisdom, knowledge of the community network, the business ecosystem, understanding of the community’s needs, and the tools to deal with changes on the horizon.
How it Works
Upon acceptance into the program and before meeting as a class in September, participants receive the book “Strengths Finder 2.0,” by Tom Rath. You will be asked to take the online Strengths Finder test and send your results to the Chamber Executive Director. A strengths matrix will be given to class members along with explanations and insights during the first class.
The first year of Leadership Sandpoint begins in September with a day at Schweitzer Mountain. This will serve as a team building exercise, getting to know your classmates, an explanation of your strengths, and a general overview of what is to come.
Following the first meeting, Leadership Sandpoint takes place through monthly day-long sessions from October through May, followed by a Group Service Project in May. Your class might be asked to present the scope of your project at one of the Chamber’s monthly luncheons.
In the second year of the program, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute the program for the new class. You will serve as mentors to the new group, in addition to participating in the monthly sessions you assist in planning.
Participants and their organizations must be willing to commit one day per month to the program, typically the third Wednesday of the month. Those selected will participate in the required activities during the first and second years. Class size will be limited to no more than 20 participants, selected through an application process.
What You Will Experience
The monthly sessions are broad areas of focus to explore many parts of a particular subject and its relationship to the principles of leadership. Through experiential learning, participants will immerse themselves in the subject area for a given month while listening to talks from professionals in the respective field and engaging in hands-on activities in order to bring each topic to life.
To further develop individual skills, each class will include Board training and Leadership Skills Development training. Board training curriculum is based on John Carver’s Policy Governance. Leadership Skills Development training is based on John Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
Class Schedule for 2024-2025 (subject to change)
September: Teambuilding and Strengths
October: Cornerstones of Sandpoint
November: Education and the Arts
December: Human and Community Services
January: Sustainability
February: Law Enforcement, Judicial System, Local and State Government
March: Economic Drivers
April: Health and Wellness
May: Natural Resources and Tourism
June: Wrap-up of Service Project
July – August: Completion of Group Service Project (if applicable), Preparation to facilitate the in-coming class
The Application Process
The application process begins in early August. The deadline for enrollment is August 30th. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis until the class is full. The selection of participants is made through online application, letters of recommendation, a resume, and answers to a questionnaire. To the best of our ability, selected participants will be notified by September 3rd.
What is the cost to attend Leadership Sandpoint?
The tuition for the two-year Leadership Sandpoint program is $400 for Chamber members and $475 for non-members. The tuition covers meals, books, materials, administrative costs, and for selected classes – group transportation. There is a $25 deposit due with application submission. This deposit fee is refundable only if you are not accepted into the program. The remainder of the tuition is due once notification of acceptance has been received and can be paid by the sponsoring employer or the participant no later than September 13th.
Recommend someone you know!
We would love to hear from you! Give us your suggestion for a participant in the Leadership Sandpoint! Tell us who they are, nominate them, and sponsor them. If you have seen the potential in somebody, give them a boost and get them involved. Contact the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce today at 208.263.2161.
We’re here to help!
Contact the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce during regular business hours with your questions. We are available Monday through Friday, 10 am – 5 pm.
Office: 208.263.2161
Download application HERE.
PAST FUNDRAISERS
2009-2010: Golf Tournament
2010-2011: Cinco de Mayo Party
2011-2012: Cinco de Mayo Party
2012-2013: Jail and Bail & Cinco de Mayo Party
2013-2014: Cinco de Mayo Party
2014-2015: N/A
2015-2016: Cinco de Mayo Party
2016-2017: Cinco de Mayo Party
2017-2018: Cinco de Mayo Party
2018-2019: Cinco de Mayo Party
2023-2024: Cinco de Mayo Block Party – Benefiting NAMI North Club House
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