Leadership Lawrence has allowed me to increase my knowledge of the services and organizations throughout the community that are important to use when marketing the community. Another benefit to the program is the desire to become more involved with the local initiatives. The various sessions during the Leadership Lawrence program encourage students to get involved by volunteering. The program prepares graduates to implement our leadership skills at home, in the workplace, as well as in the business and civic organizations with which we are associated.

The classes also allow the participants a chance to discuss with one another the issues that are facing our community. We talk about the future of our area as well as the opportunities and problems that we face. The sessions provide an opportunity for us to discuss possible solutions to the problems and issues. To this point, we have only completed about half of the sessions and we have continually heard comments from speakers and organizations regarding the need for vision and planning for the future. This is a topic that is very important as it is also an issue facing our local community.

Personally, my Leadership Lawrence experience has allowed me to receive a different perspective in learning about the many aspects of Lawrence and Douglas County. Through my first year at the Chamber, I have learned a tremendous amount about the community and services we have to offer to residents and businesses. However, through my leadership training, I am learning to look at issues from different perspectives. These perspectives help to create a fuller picture when examining issues that affect our community. It has also allowed me to develop friendships with my classmates that are beneficial for more than just the time spent in class. Many of my classmates I see outside of class as we work together to make our community a great place in which to live, work and play.