Leadership Snohomish County
Heather Logan & Kathy Coffey
Kathy Coffey, Executive Director of Leadership Snohomish County, was our speaker on August 22. She had with her a graduate of the program from Arlington, Heather Logan. Since it began 22 years ago, it has over 800 alumni.
Leadership Snohomish County was started in 1998 as a joint effort of the Everett Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Snohomish County. It is now a stand alone non-profit with a board of directors and 3 employees. Each year about 110 individuals graduate from the program. It belongs to a national association of leadership programs and Kathy is on that board.
Leadership Snohomish County is the only leadership program specific to Snohomish County. Participants expand their leadership skills while gaining a greater commitment to their community. One of the goals is to break the belief that jobs in Snohomish County are stepping stones to go elsewhere.
3 different classes are offered by organization: Signature Class, Young Professional, and Racial Equity. Here is a summary of each from the organizations website:
Signature Program: The Signature Class is for professionals with some leadership experience in community roles, from varied career, educational, political, and cultural backgrounds, who are ready to explore local issues and leadership strategies to prepare for civic involvement.
Enrollment includes participation in a two-day retreat held September 19 and 20, seven all-day Education Days October-April (either the first or second Thursday of each month), participation in a team community impact project, a research interview, an all-day equity and inclusion workshop and a presentation day in May.
Young professionals Program: This program is for young professionals who are able to dedicate time and energy to developing themselves for the betterment of the community and ready for ongoing involvement in civic responsibilities.
Enrollment includes participation in a kickoff luncheon in October, six Education sessions (first Monday of each month, November through March), participation in a team community impact project, an all-day equity and inclusion workshop, and a presentation day in April/May.
Leadership for Racial Equity: Leadership Snohomish County (LSC) is launching its first Leadership for Racial Equity Cohort to build and strengthen the capacity of multi-sector leaders to work towards real, transformational and sustainable systemic change within their respective organizations/institutions.
The signature program graduates about 60 each year. It runs from September to May. Class members are about 30% from non-profits and 70% from other businesses. Heather is a graduate of this program which culminates with 3 to 5 members doing a project to better an area or region. As an example, Heather's project involved getting organizations that provide social services in north Snohomish County together to network so that each knows what services are offered by the others. A directory was put together so that the participants could continue networking in the future.
This is the 9th year of the program for young professionals. Boeing played a hand in getting this program started. It is for professionals ranging in age from 22 to 34. It is designed to expose individuals strengths and weaknesses and to provide assistance in creating positive leadership.
The racial equity program is in it's 3rd year and it involves monthly sessions over 5 months resulting in a certification. In connection with this program a racial equity convention was held at the Lynnwood Convention Center with 630 attending last year. This is the largest such event in 5 states.
Kathy used our 4-way test to explain some of the objects of programming. The goal is really to help participants find the area's civic DNA and to give them leadership skills. Our county is very diverse and programs deal with issues to help shape future growth.
There is a tuition for the programs: $2800 for the signature program and $1,000 for the professional program. Scholarships are available but generally the individuals employer pays the tuition. Last year there were 207 nominations (you can nominate yourself) to fill 20 positions for young professionals and 60 for the signature program. The only prerequisite is a desire to make one's self better.
The organization is supported by grants and donations besides the tuition. It has a fundraising breakfast which is this year on Sept. 23rd at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. There is a keynote speaker and young leaders are recognized.
For more about Leadership Snohomish County, click
HERE for its website.
