…A program to develop and engage the Lehigh Valley's older adults as leaders for our community.

Our community needs your experience, wisdom, and maturity!

As you approach or enter your retirement years, you may now have more time to explore personal interests, develop new relationships, and get involved in the community.

You have an opportunity to contribute your insight and expertise to the greater good of our community!

By participating in this enriching program, you'll gain exciting insights, make new friendships, and experience the deep personal satisfaction that comes from making a difference through service with various non-profit organizations in our region.

For 20 plus years, Leadership Lehigh Valley has cultivated emerging leaders to play significant roles in helping to shape the Lehigh Valley. Our alumni are actively engaged in organizations that make a difference and help to improve the quality of life in our region.

-You will join a class of about 20 to 25 people that meet for a partial day workshop one day for seven consecutive weeks.

-We will help you assess your abilities and interests and build on them.

-You will participate in informal meeting sessions that will provide you with up to date information about the region's assets, challenges, and plans on "quality of life" topics, such as:

Orientation: Living in the Lehigh Valley Today
Economic Development in the Lehigh Valley
The Health Care Delivery System
Arts, Culture, Tourism
Building a Community / Human Services
Board Service Dynamics - An over-view of what you need to know about serving on a Board today.
Graduation and Board /Committee placement: Includes developing a personal plan for civic engagement.
-You will have the chance to meet with leaders in our community who are the change agents, working toward turning their visions into a reality.

-You will have the opportunity to see "behind the scenes" of some of the "treasures" our region can boast of.

-You will gain important information that will help you to continue to develop your potential as a change agent and assist you in finding an organization where you can apply your experience and leadership skills.

Upon completion of the program, your graduation will celebrate your achievement and launch you on your way as a "Third Age Leader" and part of the Leadership Lehigh Valley network.

As a requirement, we ask that you commit to serving on a Board or on a committee of a Board of your choosing for a minimum of two years.

What is the timing of this program?
Choose one of two different 7 week sessions annually:
Fall: September through October
Spring: May though June
Program days run 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM and include lunch.
Locations vary from week to week.
Personal enrichment speaker at lunch, relevant to the day's topic.

What will this program cost?
The cost to participate is $395 per person. Contributions and tuition cover the expenses associated with the program.

Am I the right age to take part?
If you are over 50, are approaching retirement, are in retirement, or are still employed and have the desire to "make a difference" in our community, this program is for you.

How is this different from other volunteer activities?
There a numerous ways to volunteer your time in our community, like serving food in a soup kitchen, mentoring children, or delivering meals to shut-ins. This program goes a step beyond. The Third Age Community Leadership initiative will refresh your knowledge on big picture issues and conditions in our region and to develop your potential to be a volunteer change agent in a non-profit organization. We will assist you in finding an organization that can use your leadership-for a mutually beneficial volunteer experience that you will find personally rewarding and enriching.

Through this program, you can
-develop your potential;
-broaden your view of our community and its needs;
-focus your skills and efforts on issues that matter to the community and to you personally;
-get involved with others who share your passion, interests, and commitment.

How do I apply?
To nominate yourself or someone you know, complete the application form and return it to: Leadership Lehigh Valley

THIRD Age Community Leadership
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Applications will be considered on a first come/first served basis.