NCET Biz Tips: Local government can actually be really cool

Local government and words like “engaging,” “fun,” and “inspiring” don’t often go together. Well, the Washoe County Leadership Academy is about to turn that notion on its head, because what we have in store for participants in our second annual program is all those things, and more.

Through the Washoe County Leadership Academy, the county seeks to pull back the curtain on local government by inviting residents to witness the inner workings of government first-hand. This is a unique program that invites area leaders to learn about themselves, their peers, and Washoe County departments and programs by participating in full-day outings once a month, for nine months.

This behind-the-scenes program takes participants on an odyssey as they visit locations throughout the county, from Gerlach to Incline Village, and to the many county departments that few have had the chance to truly know, all while creating a collaborative and sustainable class project as their legacy.

If the Washoe County Leadership Academy sounds like a blast, it is. If it also sounds exclusive, it is. Only 30 people will be selected to participate from across the county each year. Here are our top tips for those who wish to apply:

First, visit WashoeCounty.gov/WCLA. You will learn about the activities planned for the program, as well as find the application link. One word of advice that we can offer you is to be solution-oriented on your application. It is easy to point out all that is wrong with the community. While we acknowledge room for growth, what we seek are people with ideas on how we can improve the community together.

If you need your supervisors’ approval to participate, pitch this program as something that will benefit the organization. From this program you will be more connected, knowledgeable, and in-tune with your own communication style, as well as others’. With lessons from the University of Nevada, Reno’s Cooperative Extension on topics including collaboration and civility, this program will make for a more well-rounded employee.

For supervisors, consider suggesting this program to your up-and-coming leaders. It will not only benefit your organization in the ways described above, but your employee will appreciate that you are investing in them as a person and professional. Also, the program is free of charge so there is no money out-of-pocket from your organization.

If you are accepted into the program, another top tip is to be fully invested. There are hundreds of people who apply, and only a select few are invited to participate. By showing up fully engaged for each session, not only are you guaranteeing to get everything possible out of the program, but you are showing respect for those who did not earn a seat in this year’s program.

Lastly, make the most of every moment. Participants from the inaugural class of the Washoe County Leadership Academy will tell you that these days are jam-packed but fly by. Before you know it, you will be a graduate of the program, joining esteemed alumni. Being selected for this program offers you the chance to make new connections and friendships that can last a lifetime.

The purpose of the Washoe County Leadership Academy is to graduate knowledgeable citizens who know how local government works, the many resources available to people in our community, and also, we hope, inspiration to remain involved. Whether that be through participation on the many boards and committees that Washoe County appoints to, through volunteerism, or even simply acting as a solution-oriented advocate in the community.

NCET is a member-supported nonprofit organization that produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology. More info at www.NCET.org. 

The Commission Support program at Washoe County (www.washoecounty.gov) facilitates the annual Washoe County Leadership Academy.