Leadership Durham 

Developing Community Leaders…….Building a Better Durham

Leadership Durham, a program of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, opens doors for local business men and women and community leaders with the desire and ability to shape its future. Through face-to-face meetings with local and state leaders and on-site visits to local institutions, agencies and organizations, participants explore major issues and unique challenges facing the Durham community. Interactive sessions include in-depth discussions on human needs, healthcare, media, politics, law enforcement, Research Triangle Park, cultural arts, local government, education and much more. 

Applications

The application period for the 2008 Leadership Durham program has closed.  Applications are available each year in late summer and are due in October. If you would like to be notified for the upcoming class, please contact Danielle Kaspar, Director of Programming & Events at the Durham Chamber at dkaspar@durhamchamber.org or (919) 682-2133 x233. You will be contacted as soon as new information is available. 

Selection & Participation

Selection is based upon demonstrated leadership ability, evidence of community involvement, willingness to assume greater community responsibilities and recommendations. Up to 30 participants are selected each year. 

The 2008 program began with orientation on December 13, 2007. Sessions meet every other Thursday January through May and generally run 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Class Projects

As a requirement for graduation, Leadership Durham class members must adopt a community service project.  Proposals will be selected according to their ability to complete the project within a specified period of time, the impact the project will have on the organization and the community, and their ability to work closely with both their classmates and the respective organization.  

Project proposals for the 2008 class were due November 30.

Tuition

Tuition for Leadership Durham 2008 is $1,175. The fee includes breakfasts & lunches, tours, materials, group transportation and a graduation ceremony. A non-refundable deposit of $250 is due by orientation on December 13, 2007 with the tuition balance due by January 15, 2008. 

Scholarships

A limited number of partial scholarships are available for Durham Chamber non profits and small businesses. To be considered for a scholarship, please carefully explain the reason for your request when submitting your application. 

Class Presentations

Click on the links below for information presented at class sessions.

Steering Committee

The Leadership Durham Steering Committee is comprised of individuals from the previous class who help to plan the activities and events for the upcoming class.

Laura Dickerson, 2008 Steering Committee Chair
Junior League of Durham & Orange Counties

2007 Leadership Durham Graduating Class

The Leadership Durham Class of 2007 graduated during a lunch celebration on Thursday, May 31, 2007 at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club.  

Junior Leadership Durham

Junior Leadership Durham is a nonprofit community-wide program designed to shape the future of high school students by promoting teamwork, developing leadership skills, and fostering self-confidence and personal growth.

Through active participation, students will interact with business, community and government leaders to gain an in-depth knowledge of Durham and to encourage them to explore ways in which they can contribute to their community.

For information on the Junior Leadership Durham program, contact Robin Odom at (919) 479-0129.

For more information on the Leadership Durham program, please contact Danielle Kaspar, Director of Programming & Events, at 919-682-2133 x233 or dkaspar@durhamchamber.org.