The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce is developing a pilot project to find new leaders in the community who can replace Mission’s dwindling and aging ones.
Michelle Favero, chamber manager, led a delegation before council Monday, explaining that 10 per cent of their members are community organizations facing a leadership deficit.
“Mission has a growing need for leaders in all capacities,” she said. “I think we realize the Lions Club is a perfect example in this community.”
The Mission and District Lions Club had been part of the community for 60 years until June 30, 2010, when it shut down due to a lack of volunteers.
Favero identified an aging leadership base, lack of volunteers with skills, and no local affordable leadership education as a barrier for finding new recruits.
The Chamber now wants to host a series of workshops in partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley, one Saturday a month from January to April.
For now, they hope to make each session an affordable $20, but that price could drop with corporate sponsors joining.
Favero said several high-profile speakers will be brought in to share their experiences.
Council passed a motion to look at some way of recognizing those who attend all four workshops with some kind of an official leadership designation.
Look for more information on the Building Community Leadership Program at www.missionchamber.bc.ca in the next month, and join the leadership discussion on Facebook and Twitter (@MissionCommerce).
