Since 1982, Leadership Asheville has been working with people who want to play a role in making Asheville and Buncombe County better places to live and work. Leadership Asheville is a nine-month program of study and service which brings together people who care about issues affecting the community and share a concern for the region’s future. Participants in Leadership Asheville strengthen their community leadership, deepen their commitment to the community, and discuss issues in areas such as governance, education, economic development, and the environment.

“For the past 25 years, Leadership Asheville has worked with over 900 men and women who live, work, and volunteer in the area,” said Gerry Goertz, Leadership Asheville director. “The program has given them a better understanding of the history and potential of Asheville and Buncombe County and has helped them to define their personal role in the community’s leadership.”

Leadership Asheville 26 is now accepting applications for the 2007-08 class. Following a two-day opening retreat in September, the program meets one day per month through May. In addition to topic/training sessions, all participants are given the opportunity to make a difference in the community by working on Leadership Action Team service projects that address community issues. Every effort is made to make the program personally meaningful and professionally valuable.

Leadership Asheville 26 tuition is $1,350, which may be paid by the employer, sponsoring organization or participant. Partial scholarships may be available. For more information and application materials, please contact Gerry Goertz at 828/251-6125 or leadership@unca.edu.