Applications are being accepted now!
Trying their vehicle out on Education Day.
Applications are open for Leadership Upper Valley (LUV), a Vital Communities program which since 2007 has helped hundreds of Upper Valley residents acquire greater impact and confidence as community changemakers.
To learn more and apply, go to https://vitalcommunities.org/leadership-upper-valley/.
LUV brings Upper Valley residents together once a month over a 10-month period to offer insights, relationships, and examples of service they need to make a difference in the Upper Valley. Participants come away from the program with knowledge of Upper Valley issues, opportunities, people, lifestyles, and trends, an expanded network of community leaders and partners, and motivation and experience to provide service within the Upper Valley community.
Vital Communities seeks classes of up to 30 participants from a wide range of backgrounds and roles in the Upper Valley: people currently or formerly associated with corporations, nonprofits, small and private businesses, schools, and municipalities – anyone who wants to learn about the Upper Valley and how they might make a difference. Read this profile of recent graduate Rachael Thomeer.
Talking podcasts with Junction Arts & Media on Arts Day.
“For years I have been focused on my family, my friends, and the issues we have,” wrote Garrett Sargent, LUV Class of 2024. “As it turns out these are the same issues everyone is faced with, LUV made me realize I just wasn’t thinking about them on a ‘community’ level. … Now that I have a much deeper understanding of the problems our communities face my big takeaway from LUV is, I can do more. I should contribute more to my community because I am a part of it.”
“Leadership Upper Valley has been an incredibly fulfilling experience,” said Rebecca Desilets, assistant director of human services for the City of Lebanon. “I have loved this region ever since I decided to lay my roots here, and the LUV journey has deepened my fondness for the Upper Valley. I have connected with interesting and inspirational people. Always seeking to improve the program, the organizers are sensitive and thoughtful. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and would recommend it to anyone who, like me, loves this place we call home.”
Each month’s day-long session is devoted to a different session topic focused on the Upper Valley including Health & Human Services, Education, Arts, Economy, Justice, Government and Politics, Transportation and Livable Communities, and the Environment. Sessions are held in different relevant locations throughout the Upper Valley to give a better sense of our region and may involve a tour, hands-on interaction, speakers, discussions, or other activities. Read this brief on Education Day.
Published 3/18/25