To our sponsors, alumni, and community members:
We are writing to report to you on decisions affecting the operation of Leadership Tri-Cities in this time of COVID-19. Our Board of Directors has concluded that it would be better to wait a year to begin Class XXVI. This will give us time to understand the “new normal” as it applies to personal interactions and adapt the curriculum accordingly. We will begin recruiting for Class XXVI in March of 2021 and begin their experience with the ropes course in August 2021. Additionally, graduation for Class XXV has been rescheduled to be held this September.
As the local situation with the coronavirus has developed over the past weeks, LTC has adapted accordingly, meeting via Zoom rather than in person, holding our last two session days (Arts & Culture and Hanford Day) virtually, and refocusing our outreach via our monthly newsletters. Although challenging, these past months have provided opportunities for us to reexamine processes and learn new ways to communicate with each other.
Leadership Tri-Cities now counts over 500 community leaders who have graduated our program, and we are currently leading our 25th class. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse cadre of skilled leaders who will become catalysts for change in our community. Since LTC provides each class member a unique opportunity for personal engagement both during and after graduation, we believe it is imperative that we provide Class XXVI an experience that is equal and equitable to our previous classes.
Our Board of Directors will take the next year to engage with our alumni, sponsors, and community leaders to refine our focus on addressing our community’s needs. With over 25 community service projects to our credit, we know Leadership Tri-Cities has already made a huge impact on non-profits, service organizations, and residents in our community. Now more than ever, we want to reconnect with and mobilize our alumni in serving the Tri-Cities. The challenges of this pandemic give us an opportunity and a call to action for community members who proudly call themselves graduates of Leadership Tri-Cities.
Again, thank you for your continuing support of our important work to identify, develop, and motivate the men and women who will lead our community into the next quarter century.
Be safe. Be well.