Legacy Fund Case Statement

 

MISSION

 

Leadership Maryland is designed to broaden the base of leaders through the development of individual interest, statewide knowledge, and leadership ability that can be applied with power, influence, and authority for the greater good of Maryland.

 

PURPOSE/GOAL

 

The goal of the program is to produce a uniquely talented network of informed leaders who will make a significant commitment of time and resources as they assume even greater leadership roles.  We expect these volunteers to agree to serve in policy-making leadership positions in the public and private sectors.

 

THE NEED

 

Statewide public policy decisions that affect so many of our citizens, often are made by very few. Maryland needs a uniquely talented network of informed leaders to emerge from a variety of sectors to address these issues.  It is essential that these decision-makers have a broad viewpoint acquired from a wide spectrum of experiences, as well as from interaction and communication with diverse individuals. For the past 13 years, Leadership Maryland has identified potential leaders in the state and provided a yearlong program that presents and discusses the current issues, challenges, and opportunities facing the state and its diverse regions. By being better informed about these varied and often conflicting key issues, Leadership Maryland graduates are prepared and encouraged to accept critical leadership positions. 

 

The Leadership Maryland program has a membership of over 600 leaders around the state, representing the private, public and non-profit sectors.  Currently, there are over 15 members representing elected and appointed offices from the Governor’s Cabinet and administration level, as well as county councils, county executives, and mayors of several municipalities. All the members serve the non-profit community in some capacity, such as board membership, task forces, and committees.

 

The Leadership Maryland program cannot be successful unless it draws applicants from all constituencies, and all rural and urban areas of the state.  Many individuals (or the companies/organizations they represent) find it difficult to pay the tuition to participate in the program.  For this reason, Leadership Maryland seeks to avoid incremental increases in its tuition so that all qualified candidates may be able to afford to participate.

 

To that end, Leadership Maryland is embarking on a ten-year, $1 million campaign, “Leadership Maryland Legacy Fund,” to maintain tuition at $6,800 by subsidizing the annual program.  These funds, and more importantly, the income they yield, will ensure the participation by all constituencies.

 

HISTORY

 

The Leadership “movement” has been established in counties, cities, and states across the nation. Leadership Maryland is one of the significant statewide programs in the United States.

 

The steering committee that created Leadership Maryland first met in the fall of 1991. With the aid of considerable community and corporate support and donated talent and resources, Leadership Maryland was incorporated in September 1992, and obtained its 501(c)3 designation in February 1993.  At that time, the organization was an affiliate of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.  In 1997, Leadership Maryland became independent from the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.

 

Leadership Maryland offers an intensive, issues-oriented, educational program based on the belief that knowledge is a key element and prime motivator of leadership.  The program provides the equivalent of decades of experience in an eight-month learning and development process.  Personal interviews, on-site visits, panel discussions, debates, and role-playing experience with real situations provide the insights and familiarity with the various community systems so necessary to community leadership.  Participants meet with Maryland's current decision-makers and explore, through a systematic educational program, the state's opportunities, needs, and resources.  The class is exposed to the many social, environmental, and economic complexities of the state to stimulate inquiry, analysis, and the independent development of solutions for the public interest.  Key to the success of the program is diversity among its participants.  The program is aimed at seeking representation from a cross-section of the state to reflect diversity in professions, geography, ethnicity, age, and gender.  It is this diversity that adds true meaning to the program.

 

CONSTITUENCY AND BENEFITS

 

Leadership Maryland brings people from wide and varying backgrounds together to explore current statewide and regional issues.  The selection process focuses on ensuring representation of ethnic and cultural minorities, business, non-profit organizations, labor, educators, government officials, and civic groups spread throughout the State of Maryland.  Participants and the community both benefit from Leadership Maryland.  The community benefits as the graduates serve on boards of various service organizations and advocacy groups.  In addition, a network develops among participants, speakers, and presenters.  Graduates expand and enrich the state's leadership, thereby enhancing and stimulating the business and professional environment.

 

CONTRIBUTION REQUEST

 

In support of this campaign, we are requesting a commitment from each Leadership Maryland member or interested community member, whether from the individual and/or your company/organization.  We ask you to consider a five-year pledge, or one-time gift, in any amount that is comfortable for you or your company/organization.  As a member of Leadership Maryland and a benefactor of the program benefits, we hope that you will look favorably upon our request. 

 

If Leadership Maryland can provide any additional information or clarify this request, please contact Nancy Minieri, President, or Kate Hall, Vice President, at Leadership Maryland, 134 Holiday Court, Suite 318, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, 410-841-2101.