Leadership Somerset's goal is to create an active network of informed, concerned citizens to guide the future of their communities. Working and learning together, participants enhance their leadership skills while broadening their knowledge of community issues.

The Leadership Somerset program begins in January and ends in December. Classes, which are offered at various locations throughout Somerset County, are held the third Wednesday of each month. Each seminar is approximately 8-9 hours long (during business hours).

Each session is devoted to a specific topic. The session day is filled with speakers, interactive discussions, and field trips that cover the subject matter. These hands-on sessions allow class members to learn the pros and cons and details of each area of study to they can develop their own ideas and opinions.

The Leadership Somerset experience will give you:

• a knowledge of formal and informal decision-making channels in Somerset County;
• a broader view of critical community issues;
• an introduction to key community leaders and an opportunity to network; and
• an opportunity to practice and refine critical leadership skills and competencies.

Session topics covered over the twelve months are:

• Introduction to Leadership and Leadership Development
• Economy
• Government
• Human Services
• Housing/Community Development
• Arts/Culture/History
• Community Health
• Justice
• Environment/Energy
• Lifelong Learning
• Diversity
• and a final leadership development session and graduation event.

In addition to the specific class days, each class is required to complete one major project that benefits the community. Together, the class decides on the project(s), develops the plans and assures execution. Program fellows experience firsthand how community trusteeship works and learn teamwork skills and consensus building techniques they can use at work and volunteer experiences. An individual and small group project is also part of the experience.

Please contact us at

Leadership Somerset
c/o Somerset County Administrator's Office
PO Box 3000, 20 Grove Street, Somerville, NJ 08876-1262

Tel. (908) 231-7040 Fax(908) 231-1740
Email LeadershipSomerset@co.somerset.nj.us