Leadership Baldwin County has opened enrollment for its 2011-2012 class, which will begin in October.

The program is designed, according to its director, Dr. Cindy Wilson of the University of South Alabama, to identify current and potential leaders and develop leadership skills throughout Baldwin County.

“Our county is so large and so diverse,” said Wilson. “This program brings strong leaders with many talents together to address issues on a county-wide perspective. It broadens their understanding of the many economic and social issues that affect every part of the county. It also engages them through using their expertise to effect positive change in various class projects ,” she added.

 One aspect of the class, which convenes every two years, involves students actively participating in projects beyond the classroom. Recent notable projects include organizing a public forum on proposed evacuation routes to Interstate 65, the implementation of the HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-school Youngsters) program, development of an environmental education program for kindergarten students and development of the Hazardous Waste Disposal Day.

“Once these students, who all have their own area of expertise, start to see the big picture and how they fit into it, how they can become a positive influence in an area that interests them, the results can be phenomenal,” Wilson said. “We’ve seen some amazing talent and Baldwin County continues to benefit from that talent.”

 The 2011-2012 class will begin with an overnight opening retreat October 10-11, 2011. The retreat is mandatory for all class members and includes leadership training, an overview of the years' sessions, and an opportunity for class members to become acquainted with each other.  During the retreat, the class will select projects to work on during the year.

Monthly sessions will be scheduled in different locations throughout Baldwin County. In addition, there is a session on state government that includes a day-long bus trip to Montgomery to meet with state officials.

Program details and application are online at www.leadershipbaldwincounty.com. Applications must be submitted by July 1 to be considered.  Applications can also be obtained by calling the USA Baldwin County at 251-928-8133 or Baldwin County United at 251-929-7927. Tuition is $800 however a limited number of partial scholarships are available. Class size is limited and applications are reviewed by a selection committee of community leaders.

Leadership Baldwin County enhances the development of long-term leadership in the county by:

r Identifying existing and emerging leaders from various geographic, ethnic, occupational, and economic segments of the county who have a sincere commitment to the area.

r Acquainting program participants with a wide range of community issues, resources, and opportunities which exist in our diverse county.

r Increasing the leadership skills of the participants and developing a spirit of unity which will provide common ground for working together on present and future issues. Baldwin County United is a county-wide civic organization which serves as a vehicle for Leadership graduates to continue their involvement and participation on a county-wide level.