Strong, vibrant and healthy communities are something that virtually all organizations, businesses, governments and their agencies, and not-for-profit organizations have a vision for. Creating those visions is the easy part. Having leaders that can lead us there is the hard part. Leaders who understand how to work collaboratively with others, make wise decisions and that can look beyond the symptoms - identifying the underlying issues of the things that are holding us back.

Leadership is a concept that often defies description, but is a quality that is almost immediately recognizable. We recognize leadership when an individual demonstrates a passion for and commitment to the work they do. We recognize leadership in people who act with integrity. We see it in those who are effective communicators. Leaders recognize strengths in others and empower them to reach their potential. Leaders instill trust and confidence in others. Leaders invest their time and skills to make our community a better place to live.

Edmonton has a strong legacy of leadership; individuals whose vision has created the vibrant and progressive community we live in today. And Edmonton is looking to build on this legacy with the next generation of leaders - individuals who will guide our city as it continues to evolve and grow.

What is Leadership Edmonton?
The program welcomes and encourages emerging leaders and those current leaders that want to significantly increase their ability to lead to apply. Applications from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors are strongly encouraged. This diversity of individuals and interests will create an appreciation among participants of the range of issues facing our community and add to our network of informed and dedicated leaders.

But the results will reach far beyond the personal development of the participants; the program will create connections between leaders representing a cross section of our city: business, government, not-for-profit and other sectors. As this diverse group works together to hone their leadership skills as they relate to our community, they will follow their conviction and integrate them into action.

A brief history of Leadership programs
The first leadership program was launched in Philadelphia in the late 1950’s in response to racial tensions in that city. Other US cities followed the Philadelphia example, recognizing that strong leadership was key to building strong, unified communities. Leadership Edmonton joins the over 700 community leadership programs in operation throughout the world today, including those in Calgary, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, Regina, Saskatoon, Burlington-Hamilton, and Waterloo.

For more information check out our 2008 Recruitment Brochure (264KB PDF)

You will need Acrobat Reader to download the Brochure. Click here to download it.