The first leadership class in Dawson County was held in 1992. The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and the local extension office of the University of Georgia co-sponsored the original program and continue that partnership today.

The program was initially called Leadership 2000, but once the new millennium arrived, the program was renamed Leadership Dawson. Since that time, more than 150 local leaders have emerged from the program.

Currently the class is held every two years. The Class of 2010 is now accepting applications. Attendees must commit to attendance at all meetings. The program will begin with an overnight retreat Jan. 15-16, 2010.

Most of the eight, four-hour classes that follow will be held every two weeks, culminating with a graduation dinner and ceremony on May 18, 2010.

The program is based on the Fanning Leadership Institute’s curriculum developed by the University of Georgia. Participants will learn about Dawson County’s diverse demographics, local and state government, community and business leadership, communication and decision-making and more. The curriculum will be presented in a variety of ways from group problem solving and role-playing, to guest lecturers and a field trip to the state capitol.

Sponsorships from local partners help keep tuition at a nominal amount. 

Tuition is $350 per participant and is often covered by the attendee’s employer. 

Applications are being accepted through Oct. 1, 2009. The class will be limited to about 25 participants.

For more information, or for a confidential application form, contact the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce at (706) 265-6278.