Leadership Rancho Cordova (LRC) launches a new class on a year-long exploration of our city this fall, and the search is on for eager participants.

In the spirit of developing community leaders the program, offered by the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, enters it eleventh year and now boasts more than 150 alumni — many currently serving in community leadership roles throughout the city and region.

The next class of approximately 25 will be selected to represent a broad mix of backgrounds, ages, ethnicities and employment — a key ingredient to a successful leadership program, said Rachele Burton, chair of the program’s governing board.

“Community leadership and engagement can be complex, and we want to encourage and support a pool of local people who have taken the time to dig deep and study the many layers of Rancho Cordova.” she added.

Class XI begins in October with a kick-off reception at City Hall, followed by a two-day retreat up in Tahoe to immerse themselves in leadership fundamentals and begin the process of team-building.

In November, the class begins monthly “modules” and explores topics such as the state of volunteerism, local government, arts and culture, education, land use and economic development, recreation and tourism and public safety in Rancho Cordova, along with leadership lessons that pertain to each sector.

The group will also develop and execute a class project — the signature of their class. Past class projects have included the development of the Rancho Cordova International Festival (now “iFest”), a photographic history of Rancho Cordova, a summer family film series and refurbishing the dog park at Hagen Park.

The class is not free and does require time commitments for modules, project development and execution.  But organizers believe the effort is worthwhile.

“LRC provides graduates who make a difference in the economic health and quality of life in our community through active community engagement,” said Diann Rogers, CEO and President of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce. “Leadership Rancho Cordova provides graduates with the tools necessary to be an effective leader in their community, business or elected office.”

Leadership graduates agree.

“LRC is a wonderful experience for those who want to get connected with the community and learn how to make a phenomenal difference in the lives of the citizens in Rancho Cordova” said Laurel Bane, alumnus of the program — Class XIII. “If you want to make an impact and have fun doing it, this program is for you.”

Recruitment is currently under way, and deadline for applications is July 31st.

For more information about Leadership Rancho Cordova, visit www.RanchoCordova.org. Call (916) 273-5700. Or you can email them at [email protected].

The mission of the Leadership Rancho Cordova program is to develop community leaders, activists, visionaries and advocates dedicated to the future of Rancho Cordova through all levels of community engagement.

Their purpose is to develop and engage leaders committed to making a difference in Rancho Cordova.