United Way Leadership St. Joseph Program Now Accepting Applications for Upcoming Class

Jean Brown, Director of Leadership St.

Joseph, joins us to discuss the upcoming Leadership St.

Joseph Program and how you can apply

>> anchor: the annual united way leadership st.

Joseph program is accepting applicationses for the 39th class.

They have almost 900 graduates in the community.

Tonight we are speaking with director gene brown.

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be honored to participate in this program, however i heard that ultimately people decide not to do it because of the time commitment but that's changing.

>> it is, in 2021, we are going to be doing a new virtual form at that will be two thursday mornings, a month from nine until noon and we are hoping this will shorter time frame, the virtual format will provide more flexibility and allow persons who haven't been able to commit an entire day once a month to participate in this program.

>> anchor: i think that's fantastic.

Now, you only accept 28 people into the program, each year, the application deadline is coming up it is friday november 13th at 5:00 p.m.

And you just drop that application off at the united way offices is athat right?

>> sure or they can e-mail those in, most of them can come by e-mail, they can aaccess the application online, fill it out online and e-mail that to us.

>> anchor: why would you say to someone consider leadership saint joe?

>> it is a great opportunity to learn more about our community, about the history, sometimes the hidden and not so hidden gems of our community and look at the realities and challenges that our community faces.

It gives you that opportunity it look at the community, also gives you the opportunity to develop new leadership skills, skills the area of communication, problem solving, gives you an opportunity to network with a new group of persons and as part of the program they have an opportunity to identify an issue and work together with as a team to address that issue, it gives them that opportunity to work on project development and networks.

>> anchor: that sounds great, it is a step in the right direction if you are really unemployed and you are looking to beef up your résumé a little bit, get some of those leadership qualities, if you can afford something like this, this is a great opportunity, >> i would agree, any time in our life in this community, we need leaders, so you kind of help us navigate some of these courses and this program helps you learn more about our community health programs, social services, the arts, business, so it really helps you to become part of the community, learn how you can become more active in the community and gives us though skills to become a leader within your organization, your business or your community.

>> anchor: director of leadership at st.

Joseph united way, gene brown, thank you so much for joining us, if anyone has questions, they can e-mail you or call.

A list of the program alumni and the overview can be found on