Leadership Training Services (LTS) Continuing Education Program (CEP)

Transcription

1 Leadership Training Services (LTS) Continuing Education Program (CEP) A program for Wyoming Municipal Officials developed by Leadership Training Services, Inc. in partnership with the Wyoming Association of Municipalities LTS/CEP HANDBOOK

2 LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERVICES CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM A program for elected and appointed Local Government Officials and Municipal Staff Coordinated by the Leadership Training Services Corporation in partnership with the Wyoming Association of Municipalities MISSION Leadership Training Services Corporation is a not-for-profit entity that seeks to educate elected and appointed local officials on leadership and sound management practices, educate and inform citizens about local government, and facilitate communication, tolerance and understanding among all levels of government. Page 1

3 Introduction As a community leader, your responsibility is to your community. The Leadership Training Services (LTS) Continuing Education Program (CEP) will help you be even more successful in providing skills and knowledge to better serve your community. Just as citizens expect doctors, pilots, mechanics or teachers to be up-todate on their training, they have a right to expect and feel assured that their local officials are current and competent in guiding the public s affairs. Many professions require continuing education components. While not required, the CEP program will help you excel in your local government role by helping fill the need for education and training. Take time to look at these course offerings and recognize the benefits you and your community can reap as you enroll and complete the course work. The Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) and its Leadership Training Services (LTS) program believe a lifetime of learning is not an option, it s a necessity. Join colleagues from around the state and participate in one of the most complete training programs for Wyoming local elected and appointed government officials ever compiled. Table of Contents Mission Statement... 1 Introduction & Table of Contents... 2 Eligibility & General Information... 3 Core Course Requirements... 4 Core Course Requirements & Level Descriptions... 5 Training Log for non-wam events... 6 Page 2

4 Eligibility & General Information Eligibility: Participation in the Leadership Training Services (LTS) Continuing Education Program (CEP) is open to: Elected or Appointed Officials Appointed Board or Commission Members Municipal Staff Employees Program Benefits: * You will become more aware of current and emerging issues your community will face in the future. * You will develop knowledge of the laws guiding local government and develop skills and expertise helping you as you govern in your community. * As you increase your knowledge and credibility, your constituents will gain confidence in you and their local government. * You will be better equipped to make informed decisions improving the quality of life for citizens in your community. * By continuing to improve your knowledge and decision-making ability, you will develop the potential to become a better leader. * Being publicly recognized as an educated local government official or employee demonstrates to your constituents you have taken the time to improve yourself by attending workshops and engaging in leadership activities. Recognition: Individuals will be recognized with public acknowledgment and a series of three awards for their achievements as they advance through the Continuing Education Program. Continuing Education Credits: Any qualifying course, two hours or longer, is worth 2 units of credit. You may check your credit progress by contacting the WAM office at (307) Registration: You can register for the LTS Continuing Education Program by downloading the application from the WAM website at under Member Services, by picking up an application at any WAM educational workshop, or by calling the WAM office at Tracking Your Progress: Each participant will be asked to complete and submit an enrollment form advising WAM/LTS of his/her intention to participate in the LTS Continuing Education Program (CEP). Once you enroll in the program, WAM will track your progress and send updates to you twice a year regarding your status. Enrollment Fee: A $25 registration fee is charged for each level of the program. Page 3

5 Core Course Requirements Core Courses The following eight leadership development subjects have been identified as core course curriculum areas. Each level of the program will require completion of a specified number of credits from these core areas. Communication Listening skills, presentations, written communication, facilitating and presiding at meetings, technological communications ( , internet, etc.), public speaking, persuasion, interpersonal communication, networking. Financial Management Developing financial policies for local government, understanding the budget process, auditing, capital project budgeting, bidding and contracting, investments, grant procurement. Conflict Resolution/Management Separating personal differences from issue differences, managing different levels of distress, mediation, intergovernmental relations, dealing with difficult people. Government Operations Daily responsibilities, roles and responsibilities of position, community assessment, service provided. Ethics & Integrity Fairness, honesty, accountability, awareness of abuse, necessity of dealing with conflicting values, political influences and decisions, appearances, perception. Strategic Planning Developing mission and vision statements, identifying options, proactive skills, implementation of action plan, monitoring, evaluation, creativity, constancy of purpose. Human Resource Management Hiring, firing, retention, legal aspects, compensation, policies and procedures, performance evaluation, staff/volunteers/appointed personnel distinction and relationship, training and development, coaching and mentoring. Leadership Principles Styles and models, assessments, formal versus informal roles, personality indicators. Page 4

6 Core Course Requirements & Level Descriptions Elective Courses can enhance your leadership capabity, knowedge and expertise in local government. Some of these courses may be offered at a WAM event or may also be eligible from outside educational opportunities. If the event is outside of WAM sessions, it must be at least a two-hour course to qualify. An agenda, proof of attendance, and training log must be submitted to the WAM office for approval of outside educational offerings. A training log is available on page 6 and may be copied as needed. Elective courses may include some of the following: Media relations, legal frameworks of governments, conflicts of interest, decision making, technology, legislative issues or sessions of current interest. Elective courses within these topics are likely to vary in response to changing local government needs. Leadership/Attendance/Service Credits must be earned by serving in an approved leadership role or for attendance at any approved conference at the rate of one credit per conference. Qualified committee service and legislative lobbying is eligible for credit as well as other leadership roles. Level I, Education Award The goal of the Education award is to encourage and recognize the efforts of individuals to obtain fundamental information regarding WY local government. The requirements include: 16 credits of core courses. A maximum of 2 credits in each of the 8 categories listed on page credits of elective courses. 8 credits of attendance or service. Total credits needed for a Level I award = 40 Level II, Leadership Award The goal of the Leadership Award is to encourage and recognize the efforts of participants to build on the core knowledge obtained in Level I, to enhance their leadership skills, and to continue their dedication to excellence in government leadership. Requirements include: Completion of Level I 8 credits of core courses. A maximum of 2 credits in any 4 categories listed on page credits of elective courses. If core course requirements have been met, additional core courses can apply towards the elective requirement. 12 credits of attendance or service. Total credits needed for a Level II award = 40 Level III, Governance Award The goal of the Governance Award is to encourage and recognize the efforts of participants to achieve an outstanding level of education and leadership beyond that obtained in Level II and demonstrating their continued dedication to excellence in local government. Requirements include: Completion of Levels I & II 8 credits of core courses. A maximum of 2 credits in any 4 categories listed on page credits of elective courses. If core course requirements have been met, additional core courses can apply towards the elective requirement. 20 credits of attendance or service. Page 5 Total credits needed for a Level III award = 40

7 LTS/CEP Training Log for non-wam workshops Name: Date: Conference/workshop Presenter: Date of the workshop: Length of workshop: Please complete this log when attending any training workshop for the LTS program not sponsored by WAM. You should complete one long sheet for each separate workshop attended, and please use additional paper as needed. Outside workshop/seminar sessions are only available as elective credits. 1. Please provide a brief overview of the content of this workshop /seminar. 2. List two or three take home points you learned from this session. 3. What new information or ideas made an impact? Log sheets should be turned in to the WAM office, 315 West 27 Street, Cheyenne, WY or faxed to upon completion of the event. Page 6

8 LTS/CEP Leadership Training Services Continuing Education Program Wyoming Association of Municipalities 315 West 27 Street Cheyenne, WY Phone: (307) Fax: (307) website: