"A city cannot rise any higher than the level of its leaders. Leadership Roswell is committed to developing and raising up leaders to make the Roswell community the best that it can be."
 

WHAT IT IS
The quality of leadership in any community is not to be taken for granted. New leaders must be trained, educated and informed. Leadership Roswell is a concentrated training program expressly designed to develop the leadership potential existing in the community of Chaves County. Formed by the Board of Directors of the Roswell Chamber of Commerce, the first class of Leadership Roswell began in September 1983. Today, Roswell's program continues to be the oldest Leadership program in the state of New Mexico. Under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, the program continues to be a commitment to the future and the leadership that will be needed to meet the demands of tomorrow for the Chaves County area.

ITS PURPOSE
The purpose of Leadership Roswell is to identify potential leaders to assume roles of leadership in our community; to train emerging leaders in leadership skills; to broaden the understanding of potential leaders in the various governmental, educational, societal, technological and economical forces which impact Roswell, Chaves County, and the State of New Mexico. ELIGIBILITY Leadership Roswell participants must be at least 22 years old, reside in Chaves County, and either have demonstrated an interest in the community by his/her involvement in organization activities related to the betterment of the area or have a desire to become more informed about the community. A representative group of up to 30 students, will be selected.

METHOD OF NOMINATION
Candidates may be recommended by their employer, their organization, a graduate of the Leadership Roswell program, or they may nominate themselves. The program seeks people at or near the top of their organization who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to helping the community.

"Leadership Roswell is outstanding at educating motivated individuals to better themselves. As a result, graduates become more productive citizens."
 

SELECTION PROCESS
A Selection Committee, composed of alumni, review and evaluate each application, to select the new class each year.

TUITION
Tuition is $485, which covers meals, supplies, and some transportation. A few scholarships are available. Participants should indicate their need for a scholarship when applying to the program. Each request will be handled on an individual basis. Meals are provided by the program.

"Leadership Roswell helped me to have the courage to take risks and motivated me to commit to strengthening our community."
 

ALUMNI
The Leadership Roswell experience is intended to extend beyond the graduation of each class. Upon graduation, participants may join the Leadership Roswell Alumni Association. The Association provides service projects that benefit the community such as the Youth Leadership Roswell Program for local high school students, Candidate Forums to educate the public about candidates running for elected positions and the Fourth of July Fireworks celebration.

PROGRAMS
Classes meet once a month, September through May. Each class is a day-long program, from 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM, one Friday of each month. The classes prepare and motivate participants by providing exposure and perspective in diversified areas of interest and concern. Class members have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of community leaders and other qualified speakers. Field trips are conducted to locations pertinent to the subject matter of the day

 "The best nine Fridays I have ever invested."
 

TOPICS
Personal Leadership Training Each class day features instruction or speakers on leadership skills. Topics include communication skills, stress management, goal setting, attitude, dealing with critical people and leading with passion. Economic Development, Economy of Our Area, Roswell Chamber of Commerce ... The program provides an overview of the status and future of economic development in Chaves County and New Mexico. The role of the Chamber of Commerce and other associations in advancing the commercial, financial, industrial and civic interests of our community will be explored. By interacting with local and state officials, the class has the opportunity to learn about the operations, functions, infrastructures, decision making process, and future plans of our local and state goverments. Also covered are Manufacturing, Corrections & Law Enforcement, Health Care, Social Services, Education, and Agribusiness.

 "Leadership Roswell is like taking a college class in leadership with community leaders as the professors and our community as the classroom."
 

CLASS PROJECT
Participants select a class project each year designed to benefit the Roswell community that has given so much to each of us. Each project is designed to promote our community. The projects are completed by the final class session in May. 1 Rick Kraft, Executive Director, Leadership Roswell. President, Class of '91

Leadership Roswell Application