Session One – Building Community
September 12, 2018
Thetford, VT
Thank you to our day sponsors: Aloha Foundation and Working InSync.

Community Building Day is the opening session for the program where we set the stage for our 10 months together. The goals of the day are to welcome participants to the program, get to know each other, and begin our exploration of the Upper Valley.

Session Two – Education Day
Oct 10, 2018
Day Planner: Joanne Roberts, Superintendent, SAU 88 Lebanon Schools

Gain an understanding of the challenges, assets and innovations of the education system in the Upper Valley. Explore educational opportunities and possibilities for involvement.

Session Three – Art and the Creative Economy
Nov 14, 2018
Day Planner: Amanda Rafuse, Director of Development, Northern Stage
Thank you to our day sponsor: Ben Schore.

Develops first-hand knowledge of how the arts impact our lives and the region’s economy. This session is hands-on and practical. We will discuss ways to bring the arts into your workplace and your life.

Session Four – Health and Human Services
Dec 12, 2018
Day Planner: Christine Dyke, Program Coordinator for Health Coaches/Peer Leadership Program and Community Health Workers, and  Partnership Coordinator for Community Health Improvement, Dartmouth-Hitchcock

Learn about the services supporting institutions and residents of the Upper Valley. We build an understanding of community dynamics and gain an understanding of the needs and resources of local nonprofit and service organizations.

Session Five – Economic Development
Jan 9, 2019
Claremont, NH
Day Planner: Nancy Merrill, Director, Planning and Development, City of Claremont
Thank you to our day sponsor: Claremont Savings Bank Foundation

How does this region attract and develop business? Evaluate the dimensions of “growth”? What kind is positive? How is it monitored? What is the role of public opinion? Business and civic leaders outline the potential and limits of growth in our region, as well as standard practices and innovative systems, and the influence of entrepreneurship.

Session Six – Justice
Feb 13, 2019
Springfield, VT
Day Planner: Robert Sand, Assistant Professor, Vermont Law School

Explore some of the current issues surrounding the criminal justice system in the Upper Valley. Examine the broader societal issues which impact the criminal justice system and our community, including  poverty, education, family structure, substance abuse, mental health, health care, and more.

Session Seven – Government & Politics
Mar 13, 2019
Hanover, NH

The structure, role and responsibilities of state, county, and town/city governmental bodies are outlined. Learn how you can be a more engaged citizen, which will influence your professional and personal life. Gain insights from elected and appointed officials – as well as your peers in the room – into overcoming challenges to meaningful involvement in the affairs of your community.

Session Eight – Transportation & Livable Communities
Apr 10, 2019
Day Planner: Bethany Fleishman, Transportation Manager, Vital Communities

Understand the impact of our growing and increasingly more complex transportation network and how our travel choices affect our environment, economy and social fabric. Discuss affordable housing issues and opportunities in our region.

Session Nine – Environment
May 8, 2019
Day Planner: Hannah Gelroth
VINS, Quechee, VT

What does an “environmentally sustainable” Upper Valley look like? Explore its implications on your quality of life and economic vitality. Broaden your perspectives on the interaction of environment, economy and community by addressing questions relating to the environment, energy, land use and agriculture.

Session Ten
Closing/Beyond LUV and Graduation 
June 12, 2019

Wrapping it all up. Review how you have begun to apply what you have learned during the program. Discuss how your workplace and your personal life have benefited by your participation. Clarify your plans to become a more active leader and contributor in your community. Receive your certification as an enthusiastic and active participant in the Leadership Upper Valley program.