ARTICLE
Polk Vision’s Public Service Leadership Course is designed to carry forward the legacy and outstanding tradition of civic, public and non-profit leadership that has made Polk County a distinctive, prosperous and vibrant community. This course was created for leaders interested in learning more about ways to impact public policy and how to enhance their effectiveness as engaged citizens. Class members will be equipped with the knowledge to advance to a deeper level of public service that may include civic, public or nonprofit leadership or serving on government boards and commissions. Overview The course is free of fee to qualified participants and includes four full-day sessions held at various locations across Polk County on the following dates: February 23, 2024 March 8, 2024 March 22, 2024 April 5, 2024 Participants must be residents of Polk County and have an interest in advancing their service to the community. Attendance Participants must commit to being fully available to attend all four of the day-long sessions. Those unable to make this commitment should apply in a future year. Curriculum Course content has been specifically developed to encourage discussion and enable participants to effectively integrate leadership strategies into their unique situations: FEBRUARY 23: DEFINE YOUR DIFFERENCE (Winter Haven) Objective: Preparing leaders with the strategic tools to define their differences, discover options for how they can serve and address the personal, professional, and sometimes political obstacles that could stand in their way. MARCH 8: COMMUNICATE YOUR DIFFERENCE (Davenport) Objective: Turning a great idea into a great difference often depends on how well the leader can communicate a vision for change that motivates and mobilizes others. This session will focus on the foundational principles for how leaders can elevate their experience and expertise, effectively communicate the difference they want to make and build their personal brand to boost their credibility in order to influence and lead others. MARCH 22: POLK LEADERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE (Bartow) Objective: Educating participants by welcoming civic, public and non-profit leaders to share on the most pressing community and public challenges, issues, and opportunities facing Polk County. APRIL 5: IMPLEMENTING YOUR DIFFERENCE (Lakeland) Objective: Positioning leaders to refine and prepare to implement engagement plans with specific goals and objectives, including how to build teams and define short and long-term objectives, and to step up to the starting line of their leadership opportunity ready to realize results. Class Size and Composition Class size is limited, and participants will be selected in a highly competitive, essay-based application. A balanced mix of class members that reflect Polk County’s diversity is important to the effectiveness of the program and will influence the selection process. Application Timeline and Critical Dates Applications Open: December 5, 2023 Applications Close: January 15, 2024 / 5:00pm Applications Reviewed: January 16 – 26, 2024 Note: Applicants may be contacted for additional information Class Members Finalized: January 29, 2024 Applicants notified and information packets distributed. Application Requirements Polk Vision’s Public Service Leadership Course requires: Applicants be a current resident of Polk County. Applicants are not currently serving in an elected position or running for office. Applicants complete an online application which includes several short essay questions. Submitting optional (but strongly encouraged) supplemental information at the end of your application: your resume. up to two letters of recommendation (no more than 2 will be reviewed). Applications for the 2024 PSLC are available as of December 5, 2023, with an application deadline of January 15, 2024. View the Application Form
Polk Vision’s Public Service Leadership Course is designed to carry forward the legacy and outstanding tradition of civic, public and non-profit leadership that has made Polk County a distinctive, prosperous and vibrant community.
This course was created for leaders interested in learning more about ways to impact public policy and how to enhance their effectiveness as engaged citizens. Class members will be equipped with the knowledge to advance to a deeper level of public service that may include civic, public or nonprofit leadership or serving on government boards and commissions.
Overview
The course is free of fee to qualified participants and includes four full-day sessions held at various locations across Polk County on the following dates:
Participants must be residents of Polk County and have an interest in advancing their service to the community.
Attendance
Participants must commit to being fully available to attend all four of the day-long sessions. Those unable to make this commitment should apply in a future year.
Curriculum
Course content has been specifically developed to encourage discussion and enable participants to effectively integrate leadership strategies into their unique situations:
FEBRUARY 23: DEFINE YOUR DIFFERENCE (Winter Haven)
Objective: Preparing leaders with the strategic tools to define their differences, discover options for how they can serve and address the personal, professional, and sometimes political obstacles that could stand in their way.
MARCH 8: COMMUNICATE YOUR DIFFERENCE (Davenport)
Objective: Turning a great idea into a great difference often depends on how well the leader can communicate a vision for change that motivates and mobilizes others. This session will focus on the foundational principles for how leaders can elevate their experience and expertise, effectively communicate the difference they want to make and build their personal brand to boost their credibility in order to influence and lead others.
MARCH 22: POLK LEADERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE (Bartow)
Objective: Educating participants by welcoming civic, public and non-profit leaders to share on the most pressing community and public challenges, issues, and opportunities facing Polk County.
APRIL 5: IMPLEMENTING YOUR DIFFERENCE (Lakeland)
Objective: Positioning leaders to refine and prepare to implement engagement plans with specific goals and objectives, including how to build teams and define short and long-term objectives, and to step up to the starting line of their leadership opportunity ready to realize results.
Class Size and Composition
Class size is limited, and participants will be selected in a highly competitive, essay-based application.
A balanced mix of class members that reflect Polk County’s diversity is important to the effectiveness of the program and will influence the selection process.
Application Timeline and Critical Dates
Note: Applicants may be contacted for additional information
Application Requirements
Polk Vision’s Public Service Leadership Course requires:
Applications for the 2024 PSLC are available as of December 5, 2023, with an application deadline of January 15, 2024.
View the Application Form