THE PROGRAM

The Leadership Fort Smith program focuses on key community issues and leadership skills. The year begins with a communication workshop followed by a two-day retreat. The program continues through ten sessions, including an additional skill-building workshop and ends with a final retreat.

The retreat focuses on team building and continued development of leadership skills including communication, coalition-building, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

Monthly daylong sessions offer solid, firsthand information and provide opportunities for dialogue about community issues including a history of area leadership, local government, the role of the media, law enforcement, the judicial process, economic development, health, human services, state government and education. The sessions are conducted by leaders in various fields, and these sessions attempt to address major issues in unique ways and exciting formats, which result in solutions and plans of action.

Click here to see the program schedule of the current Leadership Fort Smith class.

THE PARTICIPANTS

Leadership Fort Smith welcomes and encourages applications from men and women from all walks of life. Participants will ideally represent businesses, professions, organizations, government, education, and geographic areas throughout the region. Each year Leadership Fort Smith selects a class of 25 individuals who represent a cross section of the greater Fort Smith area. These individuals are selected on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability as well as evidence of community interest and commitment.

Successful candidates will exhibit the following characteristics:

• Demonstrated commitment and motivation to effectively serve in the community and an expressed interest in community service
• Demonstrated leadership ability in work and/or in community activities
• Potential for advancement to leadership positions within the community

THE TUITION

Tuition for the Leadership Fort Smith program is $1,500, and each applicant must pay at least $250 of the $1,500 tuition as a demonstration of his or her commitment to the program. Tuition is not meant to be a screening factor, and scholarships are available.

THE COMMITMENT

Participants in Leadership Fort Smith make a commitment of time, energy, and money. Nominees must have the full written approval of their employer or the organization they represent. In addition, attendance at all sessions is required; members may miss no more than two, or parts of two session days to graduate from the program.

The intent of Leadership Fort Smith is that graduates of the program make a commitment to continue their involvement in the community. This involvement may consist of serving on boards, working with various agencies, or undertaking a community project that addresses some identified need.

THE NOMINATION FORM

Leadership Fort Smith will expose participants to things about the region that they never knew and would likely never see otherwise. Take time to nominate worthy individuals for the next Leadership Fort Smith Class!

Click here for more information or to nominate an individual for our program online.