Snelling Center for Government

Session 1:  OPENING RETREAT
September 20 & 21, 2012 — Addison County
Team building exercises and experiential activities help associates become acquainted and prepare for the program. Assessment tools begin to clarify the different ways participants process information, communicate, and make decisions.

Session 2:  KNOW THYSELF
October 24, 25 & 26, 2012 — Orange County
Assessments and exercises, including 360o feedback, create a rich picture of each associate’s leadership style and behavior. Associates identify personal goals and aspirations for the year. Reflection and small-group activities help associates build and deepen a cohesive learning community.

Session 3:  LEADERSHIP IN CONTEXT
December 6 & 7, 2012 — Lamoille County
An introduction to ethical decision-making, systems thinking, diversity and power provides a conceptual framework for policy-making and change. Associates will have opportunities to apply these concepts to their professional and community work, and to the range of issues they will explore during the remainder of the VLI program. 

Session 4:  DIALOGUE and DECISION-MAKING (Health Care)
January 10 & 11, 2013 — Chittenden County
An overview of Vermont’s health care system sets the stage for an exploration of the multiple dimensions of this complex issue, and the role of dialogue, politics, and policy-making among the many people in the decision-making process.

Session 5:  THE SHAPING OF PUBLIC POLICY
February 3, 4 & 5, 2013 — Washington County
The Statehouse provides the backdrop for associates as they deepen their understanding of the nuances of Vermont government and policy-making. Representatives from different branches of government, the media, and special interests  explore the interplay among values, ethics, policy, and finance in the public and private sectors.

Session 6:  SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION (Education, Justice, and the Economy)
March 13, 14 & 15, 2013 — Windham County
Each session day provides an overview of the issue coupled with an exploration of what it takes to create and measure meaningful systems change. Associates examine political, fiscal, and cultural realities as well as leadership implications. One of these days takes place at a correctional facility.

Session 7:  COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN A CONNECTED AGE
May 2 & 3, 2013 — Bennington County
Associates deepen their awareness of their own leadership strengths and blind spots, as they investigate skills and methods for engaging all facets of the community. They explore a range of ways that innovative leaders can use emerging media and communications technology to foster effective public engagement processes.
 
Session 8:  COMMENCEMENT
May 31 & June 1, 2013 — Addison County
Associates reflect on the year and on their growth, and consider ways to apply their learning to their personal, professional, and community work in the future. Festivities honor their efforts and commitment.