Class Experience

LB Class members are better able to influence important decisions facing the region. Leadership Buffalo acts as a catalyst by bringing diverse individuals together who must decide for themselves how they will serve the community. The goal of the Leadership Buffalo Class Experience is to inspire and better equip individual graduates to lead change in WNY. It is the responsibility of each member to face, accept and act on this challenge. LB instigates leadership by:

• Bringing together existing and emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in order to increase their ability to be effective in leading our community through the complex challenges of change
• Developing an in-depth knowledge of the critical issues facing Western New York
• Understanding and practicing 21st century leadership as empowerment rather than control
• Embracing service, diversity, inclusion, and openness to change
• Sharing hands-on experiences and networking with other leaders in the Buffalo Niagara community

The Class Experience

The Class Experience explores the challenge, concept and practice of leadership along with such key topics including economic development, criminal justice, ageing in our community, regional partnerships, human services, education, race relations, health care, poverty, community logic, and the arts.

All Class members will be assigned, according to their interests and background, to a team responsible for planning one issue topic for a Leadership Buffalo session or event. Leadership Buffalo graduates, the executive director and program director serve as advisors to the planning teams.

Schedule Requirements

The Class Experience requires participants to be available one day per month plus an opening retreat. All class members will be assigned according to the interests and background to a team responsible for planning one issue topic for a Leadership Buffalo session or event. LB Graduates, the executive director and the program director serve as advisors to the planning teams.

Scholarship Assistance

Scholarship assistance is available to candidates with demonstrated need. To be considered for assistance, candidates must submit a separate financial aid request form with their application.

Selection Criteria

There is no more effective or prestigious leadership organization in Western New York than Leadership Buffalo. Participation is open to persons who have:

• Initiated change and achieved results in their career and/or community roles
• Demonstrated dedication to the community in the form of significant volunteer service
• A willingness to devote the time necessary to be a full participant in the LB Class Experience

College Credit

Undergraduate or graduate credit and CEU credits for successful completion of the Leadership Buffalo Class may be granted through Buffalo State College. Further details will be supplied upon written request.

Membership

Ongoing membership in Leadership Buffalo is expected of graduates of the Class Experience and is open to graduates of other community leadership programs. Payment of annual dues entitles members to be listed in and receive the Leadership Buffalo member roster and electronic mail, the LB newsletter Dux Soup, and invitations to private issue sessions, forums, evenings with key community leaders, behind the scenes tours, and other special events. LB graduates may return for any Class day session for a nominal fee.

Class Experience Application

Class Experience Information Sheet

Class Experience Financial Aid Application

*Currently accepting applications