September 23, 2009 – Our Town – Delaware

A Community of Leaders—in the Community to Learn
Leadership Delaware and its OWU participants

Image courtesy of the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce

Since its birth in 1992, the program has had more than 300 graduates and will add 27 more after this year’s class completes the course. Its aim is to identify and advance futures leaders by increasing awareness and understanding of the issues affecting the county and developing capabilities to aid in resolving these issues. The program also creates a link between the participants and community leaders and matches specific talents of the participants with the needs of the county. Leadership Delaware encompasses a variety of citizens, and in its 17 years, about 15-20 OWU current and former employees have gone through its system, including Lee Harrell, assistant vice president of admission and financial aid.

Cooper, after working as chief of communications at Capital University and serving as president of Bexley’s Chamber of Commerce, and Washington, after spending the last 21 years in Dayton, Ohio, most recently as director of employee relations at the University of Dayton, are looking at the program as a way to merge into the community.

“Leadership Delaware provides me with the opportunity to learn more about Delaware’s rich history,” says Washington. This interplay between Ohio Wesleyan and the community is an aspect that Cooper finds important as well.

“The town to OWU relationship is important,” he says. “People need to see that OWU is engaged in the community”

The program brings together people from various jobs. Every second Thursday of the month for nine months participants attend a day of classes and workshops. These workshops, organized and taught by alumni, officers in certain fields, and guest speakers incorporate economic, political, educational, and social issues at all levels. The nine workshops include Leadership Styles and Team Building; Delaware County’s History; City, Council, and Township Governance; Economic Development; Law Enforcement and the Courts System; Education; Health and Human Services; Community Trusteeship; Community Service Day; and finally—graduation.

As class members receive an inside look into organizations and operations of the county, both the individual and the community benefit from the Leadership Delaware program.

“I believe the program will help me identify a need within the community where my experience and talents can play a vital role in bettering the community, such as my past volunteer efforts with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Miami Valley,” explains Washington. Cooper also views the program as a benefit to the overall community.

“I will have a grounding in what Delaware has to offer and a better feel for what there is to attract families and employees and to help to keep people here,” he says.

On a personal level, along with professional development, Cooper is looking forward to forming a network of contacts.

“I like people and I like connections. It sometimes drives my family crazy because I know and talk to everyone,” says Cooper with a smile. “After this program, I’ll have at least 26 close connections.” When asked what he is most looking forward to gaining from the program, Washington also mentions these connections, and the opportunity to form bonds with others.

When participants complete the program, they will have developed strong contacts with their colleagues and complete immersion into the Delaware community. With an understanding of the resources in the community and the network of community leaders, they can collaborate on any issues facing community organizations.

“Participating [in Leadership Delaware] is a unique experience that can’t be replicated by reading a book or looking at a Web site,” Washington explains. “The program offers us valuable  hands-on experiences.”

– Christina Fesz ’12