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Leadership Fairfax
Founded in 1987 by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Fairfax Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to build a base of understanding about our community, educate and inform and to ultimately engage individuals to become agents of positive change in Fairfax County and the Northern Virginia region. LFI sponsors two community leadership programs: The LFI Program and The Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI)Program. Graduates of the programs are leaders in the business, government and nonprofit sectors of Northern Virginia.

The LFI Program is built around a comprehensive 10-month curriculum of community issues and skill development. Participants spend one day each month, September through June, engaging in an intensive study of issues affecting the quality of life in Fairfax County and the region.

Participants receive an enhanced understanding of Fairfax County and how it works; the development of their ability to lead, follow and work in teams; the opportunity to network with influencers, decision-makers and resources in Northern Virginia, and a fast-track way to finding their best "fit" for contributing back to the community.

During the ten-month program, LFI participants interact with established community leaders and elected officials and engage in problem-solving discussions around solutions to community issues. It begins with a two-day opening retreat in September. This is followed by nine monthly “Program Days” where participants learn about the issues, institutions, programs, resources, forces and challenges that impact the social, economic and political dynamics of Northern Virginia in general and Fairfax County, in particular.

Groups of participants, formed into Program Day teams, are required to put together one of the full-day meetings for their class colleagues. Each team scopes a particular topic or trend, determines the issues to be addressed, designs the day’s agenda, and assembles subject matter experts and leaders involved in the topic area. Examples of topics are economic development, the aging population, land-use and development, transportation, education and at-risk youth. The February Program Day comprises a visit to the House of Delegates, Senate and Governor’s mansion in Richmond.

Emerging Leaders InstituteThe Emerging Leaders Institute is an initiative of Leadership Fairfax that brings together approximately 35-40 motivated and energetic young professionals from business, government and nonprofit organizations throughout Northern Virginia. In the ELI Program, participants learn new skills, receive mentoring support, participate in community service projects and learn how to make a positive difference in your community. The ELI program is kicked off with an opening retreat in September, and meets monthly until graduation the following June.

ELI Program Pillars: • Skill Building: Sharpen critical skills essential for effective organizational and community leadership. Enhance public speaking, conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Learn what it means and what it takes to be a results-oriented leader.

• Mentoring: participants are paired with a personal mentor for substantive and regular contact throughout the year, focusing on real-world leadership techniques and challenges. All mentors are established leaders in local business or community organizations, and many are graduates of Leadership Fairfax.

• Community Service Projects: participants work in teams on short-term community service projects.

References

Leadership Fairfax official site.

The Community Leadership Association.

Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

Fairfax County government.

Fairfax County Convention and Visitors Center.