Leadership Bend Application
Class of 2025
Please read this information carefully and
in its entirety before applying.
NOTE: If you have any difficulty filling out this form, please try clearing history and cookies, or try a different web browser. If this does not fix the problem, contact Talena Barker at talena@bendchamber.org to get a full list of questions that you can submit via email.
Leadership Bend is open to both Bend Chamber members and non-members.
About Leadership Bend
Leadership Bend is a community leadership development program designed to identify, educate, train and connect willing and committed citizens to leadership roles in our community. There now are over 600 Leadership Bend alumni who serve as our community “trustees” through board service, elected office, and more. Leadership Bend is supported by Taylor NW, St Charles Health System and likeminded businesses who believe that a healthy community comes from investment in leadership.
During an initial two-day orientation retreat in early September, followed by nine full-day sessions scheduled once a month, participants will work with local leaders to expand awareness and understanding of the Central Oregon region. We will explore historical and current issues firsthand and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities that cross sectors and silos. Additionally, the cohort will benefit from a series of servant leadership topics designed to enhance individual leadership skills and together, make an impact through one or more class Impact Project(s).
First and foremost, Leadership Bend is a community/civic leadership development program rather than a professional development program, though those aspects are ingrained within the curriculum.
Application Requirements and Guidelines
Due Tuesday, July 9, 11:59 pm Pacific time.
Applications received later will not be accepted.
In-Person Orientation Retreat and Monthly Session Days
Leadership Bend Orientation is a retreat from 8am September 5 through 5pm on September 6, though not including an overnight stay. Attendance is required. Mark your calendar now.
Leadership Bend day-long sessions are held on the second or third Tuesday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, plus additional required dates. Check all dates listed below to be sure you can commit.
All sessions are planned for in person.
Dates
Please review carefully, and block out all dates on your calendar.
| September 5-6 Retreat |
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| September 24 |
February 18 |
| October 15 |
March 18 |
| November 19 |
April 15 |
| December 17 |
May 20 |
| January 21 |
June 10, Graduation |
Impact Projects
In addition to regular class days, Leadership Bend participants will complete an Impact Project. Teams of five or more will work together over the duration of the program to accomplish the objectives of their project. The class will work together to determine where and how they'd like to have an impact, reach out to the nonprofits or public entities involved and define the scope together.
Key to the success of the Impact Projects is working closely with the stakeholders in the subject area to refine the scope and objectives of the project - getting clear on what is attainable based on the skill set and resources of your team.
The 2022 Class completed two projects: A website that created a comprehensive "how to" guide for accessory dwelling units, and a public campaign to encourage commercial water users to sign up for the Waterwise program. The impacts of those projects were to create more available housing in Bend, and to help commercial water users monitor and reduce their water usage.
The 2023 Class completed three projects: An online resource guide for creating inclusive and equitable workplaces, a Workforce Housing Solutions Summit to develop potential innovative ideas to address the lack of workforce housing and an online resource guide for education and engagement around how our community grows.
The 2024 Class completed three projects:
1. An orientation video for Bethlehem Inn's Bend shelter to help guests understand the rules and resources.
2. An online guide through the City of Bend that provides information about how businesses and our community at large can help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for our friends, family members, neighbors, and visitors who experience a disability.
3. A "Safe for Kids" campaign that connected businesses to KIDS Center's child abuse prevention trainings for their employees, creating more community awareness of child abuse, how to prevent and how to respond if you see something of concern.
Selection
All applicants will be notified the week of July 22, 2024. Selection is based upon review of the entire application package. Be prepared to attend the required Orientation Retreat if/when accepted.
Due to the number of outstanding human beings living here, we receive a significant number of quality applications for the limited available spots. Applicants not accepted into the program for the 2024-2025 year are encouraged to learn more and apply again the next year.
In addition to the information in the application below, successful candidates will possess the following attributes:
- Be willing to stretch their comfort zone!
- Be ready to speak in front of and within groups around a variety of topics.
- Be prepared to dig in to difficult and potentially uncomfortable issues, through a leadership lens.
- Always come to Leadership Bend with a growth mindset, empathy for others, curiosity and readiness to ask questions and engage with the leaders of the day.
Tuition
Tuition is due prior to the first session. When finances pose a barrier to attendance, tuition assistance is available. Please review the tuition assistance form below for details, then complete and upload the form with this application. Contact Talena Barker at talena@bendchamber.org for more information.
Bend Chamber member: $2,700
Non-member: $3,175 (includes a one-year Bend Chamber membership for the entire organization of the participant)
Regular Session Overview by Month - Subject to Change
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Month
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Session Focus
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September
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Regional History, Inclusive Leadership, Comparing Challenges and Opportunities Past and Present
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October
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Local Journalism, Media and Communications
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November
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City of Bend (function, budget, transportation, housing, infrastructure pressing issues and more)
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December
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Elections, Bonds, Levies and Campaigns
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January
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County and Federal Government, Judicial, Legal and Criminal Justice
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February
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Central Oregon Business and Economy
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March
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Education, Talent and the Central Oregon Workforce
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April
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Nonprofits, Health Care and Board Service
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May
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Our Natural Resources and Environment
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June 10
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Graduation
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