Leadership Billings

I have participated in Leadership Billings for the past 8 months or so. Today was our last day and I have to admit, I am so bummed that it is over!

Leadership Billings is a program put on by the Billings Chamber. Basically, you enroll and are in a class of about 40 fellow business people and they come from all different backgrounds. We meet for one full day once a month and each day focuses on a different topic. We have speakers that address those topics and often get to tour different organizations and facilities related to the topic. We've had a Social Services Day, Education Day, Health Care Day, Government/Judicial Day, Business/Economy Day, Tourism Day, etc. So for example for the Social Services day we got to tour and learn about organizations like Friendship House, the Women's and Family Shelter, and other organizations that make such a big difference in the well-being of our community. Linda Gleason at the Chamber programs each day and does an outstanding job!

Our last day, today, was a work day...We were split into about 8 different groups and went to do some volunteer work with different organizations. Some of us did yard work at Big Brothers Big Sisters, some painted benches at one of the local schools, washed windows, painted, and the lucky group got to pick up garbage on top of the Rims (you can imagine what they found up there!).

Anyhow, the program has been so eye opening--I have a much better understanding of my community and what makes it tick and the areas that still need some work. And I feel inspired to stay involved and help shape the future of Billings. And, I've made some great friends along the way who I hope I will stay connected with.

Leadership Billings has a program for adults and also does a program for high school students. You can find out more about the programs on the Billings Chamber website.