September 1, 2025

The National Community Leadership Collaborative recently shared results from a survey collected from ten years of alumni across ten leadership organizations. It reaffirms what many of us already know: community leadership programs change lives and they change communities.

Among those surveyed:

• 97% gained information that helped them better understand the issues impacting their community
• 91% diversified their network by building relationships with classmates and other leaders in their community
• 89% believe their participation in the program benefits their community
• 85% grew their confidence to drive positive change in their community
• 77% grew their ability to communicate with people across differences
• 71% have become active is new or deeper ways in their community (board service, volunteerism, running for public office, and other types of civic or philanthropic engagement)
• 69% learned skills that helped them be more effective in formal and informal leadership roles

At a time when division feels increasingly normalized and budget cuts are forcing many organizations to make hard choices, these results are a reminder: investing in leadership – especially community leadership – is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. And programs like LEAD are proof.

Community leadership programs exist in nearly every city across the country, united in their missions to connect, educate and prepare people to make a difference in their communities. I recently attended the Legacy and Community Champions panel hosted by the Burnham Center for Community Advancement that featured a conversation across generations. One panelist was asked what makes a good leader. Part of the answer was a willingness and desire to keep learning.

That desire to learn is evident in our incoming Impact 2026 cohort, which started their journey this past Friday. This marks our 46^th cohort and you can meet the newest class here.

Community and leadership may be broad concepts, but community leadership is a distinct and vital practice. At the end of the day, we are all humans seeking connections, seeking meaning and looking for ways to make a difference. An that is what drives lasting, positive change.

Next week we celebrate those who’ve turned this idea into action at our 23^rd annual Visionary Awards. If it’s not already on your calendar, I hope you’ll join us to celebrate.

With gratitude, 

Veronica