@By:by Lisa Gardiner Irene Preston is among the many people who credit a program called Leadership Midpeninsula with giving them the tools to improve their community. Before enrolling in the program's class of 1990, Preston, a community resource specialist in the Palo Alto School District, was frustrated with the devastating effect budget cuts could have on school resources.
But as a result of what she learned and the leaders she met through Leadership Midpeninsula, she decided to start her own nonprofit organization. Now, a year and a half after its beginning, Resource Connections has distributed $800,000 worth of equipment and furniture to 16 area school districts.
"It gave me the opportunity to meet people who put together community needs and community resources. The concept of shared problems, shared solutions was really a breakthrough for me," Preston said.
"Could I have done what I did without Leadership Midpeninsula? Probably not," Preston said recently at a meeting for prospective members of next year's class.
The program is recruiting people from Palo Alto, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto and surrounding communities for the next class, which starts in September.
Since 1987, this Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce program has asked 30 professionals from the corporate, nonprofit and government spheres to commit nine months to sharpening their leadership skills and knowledge of local issues.
"There's always a need to groom leadership. We'll continue to see communities join together to work together," said Susan Frank, executive director of the chamber.
The program claims Jim Brown, Palo Alto superintendent of schools, and City Council member Micki Schneider as alumni.
Participants gather one day a month to learn more about topics ranging from diversity to political institutions to the environment. Instead of being passively lectured to, people break into learning teams. Each team is entirely responsible for planning, organizing and inviting speakers for one session.
"It really is an interactive learning process," said current class member Rebecca Jenkins, who is branch manager of the East Palo Alto Library.
Jenkins, like many participants, was attracted by the networking opportunities that Leadership Midpeninsula offers. "It was perfect timing for me. I returned to the Bay Area in 1995, and I didn't know the community; I didn't have any contacts. It's given me a chance to meet various movers and shakers in the community . . . (as well as) everyday Joe's and Joyce's who are making a difference."
While acknowledging the power of networking, Leadership Midpeninsula Director Debbie Mytels said, "We want to make sure people aren't just filling up their Rolodex." Instead, the program is searching for community members with a genuine commitment to community service.
The program costs $1,500 for those employed at corporations, and $1,250 for those employed by nonprofits, government agencies and small businesses. Tuition is often paid by an employer or sponsor.
Last year, 45 applicants applied for 30 positions. Interested applicants must be interviewed and submit an application. Leadership Midpeninsula will be holding informational meetings for interested people on Thursday, April 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the East Palo Alto City Hall, and on Tuesday, April 30, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Palo Alto Senior Center.
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