FAQs

Do LEAD VIRGINIA participants have mandatory group community service or other projects, such as those frequently required of community leadership program participants?
No. LEAD VIRGINIA’s program does not require group projects or other assignments outside of program sessions. The suggested readings provided by some presenters in advance of their presentations are helpful to understanding the issues, but not mandatory.

Does LEAD VIRGINIA provide leadership skill development?
LEAD VIRGINIA’s curriculum differs dramatically from many other community and leadership programs by focusing exclusively on substantive issue-related content, rather than skill development. LEAD VIRGINIA’s participants are already proven and recognized leaders in their own geographic areas and occupational arenas and come to the program with highly developed leadership skills. LEAD VIRGINIA’s mission is to enhance participants’ capacity for civic engagement through developing a broader and deeper understanding of key issues facing the commonwealth and to develop a network of relationships with other leaders statewide.

How does LEAD VIRGINIA’s program differ from other statewide leadership programs?
LEAD VIRGINIA prepares leaders for enhanced civic engagement that may or may not be expressed through elective office. LEAD VIRGINIA graduates may prefer to work toward improving the quality of life in the commonwealth through other avenues in their communities or occupational fields or through statewide organizations or boards. For those interested in pursuing a role in political life, there are other institutions with curricula specific to that purpose. Some individuals choose to participate in more than one statewide leadership program, recognizing that the missions of these programs are not mutually exclusive and that there is unique value in each.