Contributed by Mike Feazel
Registration for the 24th class of the Fluvanna Leadership Development Program begins July 1, and the class typically fills quickly.
The program is open to any county resident interested in learning more about how Fluvanna County works and how to more effectively get things done here.
In-person classes are held every other Thursday from Aug. 27 to April 7, except holidays, and include opportunities to meet face-to-face with many of the people who help make the county go — county supervisors, the county administrator, school officials, leaders of Lake Monticello, businesspeople, nonprofit leaders and others.
The non-political classes are held in various locations across the county to familiarize classmates with all areas of Fluvanna. Topics include schools, county government, community services, fire and rescue, law and order, agriculture, economic development, infrastructure, and more.
“It’s great to be able to meet face-to-face with officials, shake their hands and talk with them,” said FLDP Co-Chair Charlie White. “Our goal is to prepare residents to be better engaged citizens of the county, and to give them the tools and contacts to do some real good here.”
“FLDP is committed to developing leaders who reflect the diversity of our community,” said Loretta Morgan. “FLDP provides hands-on learning, community engagement, and valuable connections that help future leaders thrive in our county.”
FLDP graduates have gone on to leadership positions throughout Fluvanna County, including seats on the Board of Supervisors and School Board, virtually every county government commission and committee, the Lake Monticello Owners’ Association Board of Directors, and many service organizations and nonprofits serving the county.
At last count, members of the 23 classes that have graduated from FLDP have held more than 300 service positions in Fluvanna. Others take the class simply to feel more at home in the county, meet neighbors, and know whom to contact when they need help solving a problem.
The registration fee of $100 covers the cost of the bus tour and lunch, a graduation dinner and snacks for in-person classes. Classmates are expected to attend at least 17 of the 20 classes and participate actively in a small group project that requires some additional time outside of class.
Those interested in this year’s FLDP class can get additional information and sign up at www.fluvannaleadership.org. Registration will close when the class limit is reached, or on Aug. 14. Information about the class is also available at 434-589-1732.
