The University of Maine Hutchinson Center instituted the Midcoast Leadership Academy in 2006, and-then Rep. Chris Rector was one of the visionary driving forces in creating the program. He continues to provide guidance and leadership to the program, hosting each class for a day of learning about our government, including conducting debates, participating in committee hearings, touring our state house and discussing our legislative process.
Experts from state and regional government, education, and the private sector design and lead the seven highly interactive sessions. The thrust of the program is on developing and using skills that will impact regional needs. Participants apply knowledge of how government works, what they have learned about themselves and from one another, and how to facilitate change. The seven sessions are offered at different locations throughout Knox and Waldo counties to promote regional exploration, understanding and collaboration.
The program pairs emerging leaders with established community leaders to sharpen current skills, to build new ones, and to form the relationships necessary to develop the essential networking skills that directly contribute to community development. The sessions engage participants in action-oriented group activities, culminating at the close of the program with partnering and participating in Midcoast Magnet’s JUICE conference in November.
Bangor Savings Bank is the major sponsor of this year’s Midcoast Leadership Academy, with a number of businesses sponsoring individual sessions. The Government Day session was sponsored by Searsport Antique Mall. Program participants are nominated by area citizens andc ommunity leaders and selected through a competitive process of application and selection. For more information, contact Nancy Boyington at the UMaine HutchinsonCenter, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
