Community Service Project

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all of you who contributed your time, talent and treasure to make the inaugural Leadership Santa Barbara County class project a resounding success. The Leadership Santa Barbara County Board appreciates the dedication of the class of 2008-2009 class and the generous in-kind and financial contributions to IVYP made by friends and graduates of Leadership Santa Barbara County. The partnership of Leadership with the Isla Vista Youth Projects enabled substantial progress in realizing their dream of building and learning in an outdoor classroom.

The inaugural Leadership Santa Barbara County Class Project assisted the Isla Vista Youth Projects and were supported by the following donors, to whom we are grateful:

Channel City Lumber

Class Project History

The 2008-09 class saw the launch of Leadership Santa Barbara County's renewed commitment to support local non profit organizations through a "class project." The addition of the class project component came as a result of Board reflection on how better to contribute meaningfully and tangibly in the community. A two hour individual community service volunteering requirement, in place since 2006, remains an essential prerequisite for successful completion of our program.

Throughout the year the class works hand in hand with a non-profit of its choice to complete an in-depth project. The scope of work is determined by the class as members develop, plan, and execute the effort before May's graduation event. The May topic day unveils the project to the public.

While each year's project will provide local benefits to a non-profit organization, class members gain unparalleled exposure and training in project management that transfers to future volunteerism, workplace, and philanthropic efforts.

Non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit their project ideas annually by September 1 to the curriculum chair. Up to four organizations will be invited to present at the October Skills Day session where the class will use skills acquired that day to choose its project.