The Vision of Leadership Redding is to create a well-informed citizenry dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Redding Region through civic and community involvement. The 25 members of the Steering Committee are charged with the task of educating and encouraging the participants of the Leadership Redding program so they can get involved in their community more effectively. This is done by connecting the participants to the people, places, and experiences of the Greater Redding Region.

Have you ever found yourself wanting to get involved in the Redding community, but not knowing how to do so? This is the basis of Leadership Redding. Each year, we accept a class of approximately 30 individuals into the program. While participating in the nine-month program, class members gain knowledge about the inner workings of our community. They do this by having the opportunity to interact with current leaders in the community in both private and public sectors. After graduating from the program, class members have more than enough information to decide where to get involved and how to go about doing so.

There is a lot of work that takes place behind the scenes to make all of this happen. First and foremost, Leadership Redding is fortunate to be a part of the Shasta Regional Community Foundation. As a program that educates potential community leaders, the Foundation has graciously accepted Leadership Redding as part of their family. With that, we are provided with valuable financial and administrative support. We appreciate the Foundation’s many roles in our community and for their continued support of the Leadership Redding program.

Leadership Redding also receives support from many businesses and organizations in the Greater Redding Region through sponsorships. These sponsorships can consist of either direct financial support or in-kind services, such as catering and meeting space. Without the sponsors, we could not keep the costs reasonable for the participants. We offer a heartfelt thanks to the many sponsors of the Leadership Redding program.

Finally, the program could not function effectively without the 25 Steering Committee members mentioned above. The Steering Committee members put in countless hours and a lot of energy to provide class members with a memorable and effective experience. They are there to welcome the class at Orientation, see the class through the Instructional Sessions, and ultimately celebrate with the class at May’s graduation ceremonies. They do this because of their belief in the program and the confidence they see class members obtain as they go through the experience. Thank you to the Steering Committee members for your dedication to Leadership Redding.

In closing, I am looking forward to the 2010-2011 year as the Chair of the Steering Committee. If you have any questions regarding Leadership Redding, do not hesitate to ask. Spend some time talking to current Steering Committee members, alumni of the program, and even current class members….you may just be inspired to complete an application for the 2011-2012 Leadership Redding class!

Bill Jostock
Leadership Redding Chair, 2010-2011