Our Vision and Our Mission

Vision - The Community Leadership Association

As the premiere community leadership association, our global membership will receive superior value as we provide the following services:

Convening

• We will be known as a convener of public, private and volunteer constituencies who meet together and solve systemic problems.
• We will position the organization and its members as conveners in their own region, state and city.

Position and Recognition

• We will be recognized as the authority on community leadership. We will be the place to turn to for response, insight and information on community leadership issues.
• Like-minded groups will partner with us in doing research and development in the leadership field.
• Outstanding leaders will seek to speak at our conferences.

Professional Development

• We will provide excellent professional development opportunities for our program directors.
• Our conference will provide inspiration, networking opportunities, new skills, ideas and rejuvenation for our alumni members as well as program directors.

Dissemination of Information

• We will disseminate "best practice" materials and methods and develop new program ideas.
• We will be a teller of stories, spreading the best practices of community leadership people and programs to inspire others to make a difference in their own communities.
• We will showcase our programs and our awards to our cities, and members will get national attention.

Board Leadership

• We will set the example for board leadership, exemplifying the model we want to see.
• We will have increased access to national resources through an advisory council.

Communication

• We will communicate with our members instantaneously, well and wisely using advanced technology.
• Our extensively used website will link our programs together.

Financial Security

• We will have a diverse funding base and a healthy financial picture.
• Foundations and other organizations will see us as the appropriate repository for funding to conduct important leadership efforts.
• We will generate the support of appropriate sponsors.

Evaluation

• We will be able to evaluate the impact of our programs on individuals and communities through a benchmarking and evaluation process.

Mission

The Community Leadership Association enhances the capacity of community leadership programs to strengthen and serve their communities. Through training seminars, annual leadership conferences, collaborations and partnerships, and educational publications, The Community Leadership Association seeks to inspire and encourage community leadership programs across the country and to help them address issues of vital importance to their respective communities.

As The Community Leadership Association's membership has grown and evolved, strongly held values have found expression in our work:

• True community is inclusive and celebrates its differences as opportunities.
• Leadership development, like all learning, is a lifelong endeavor.
• Civic leaders hold their communities in trust.
• Citizens can be better prepared for leadership opportunities.
• Civic leaders transform communities to be more effective in serving all citizens.

We believe the positive force of community unites us along our common interests. It is built on our past, finds unity in our present and gives us hope for our future. Our work in community leadership development is an expression of faith in our common interests and shared destiny. For additional information on building healthier, more effective communities through leadership development, please contact us.