The Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP)

The Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) is a rigorous, challenging and life-enriching year of seminars, visits, field trips and lectures which:

• draws together 36 resourceful Victorians with ten to twelve years experience in the workforce, who have already displayed leadership and are above average achievers;
• builds a group from a variety of backgrounds including corporate, arts, small business, government, welfare, the professions, sport and the rural sector;
• taps the wealth of experience of established leaders from all sectors of the Victorian community and gives program members close interaction with Victorian leaders in fields such as business, arts, environment, welfare, unions, research, sport and agriculture;
• offers an unusual opportunity for participants to deepen, enrich and extend their knowledge in diverse areas, while maintaining their normal work and family lives;
• explores social and economic issues with a ten year horizon, as well as community resources, opportunities and challenges;
• allows members to explore their own values, philosophies, prejudices and beliefs through the opportunities offered by the Program;
• builds trust, rapport and networks between people with different world views;
• canvasses a variety of issues which focus on the next ten years, based on the recommendations of those in the Program year and are able to help the community in a more intelligent and balanced way.
• ensures discussion confidentiality by insistence on ‘Chatham House’ rules, ie nothing attributable outside the room.

Program Outcomes

Participants become more informed, active citizens and better-rounded employees and managers, and build strong support networks. They provide community services beyond the Program year and are able to help the community in a more intelligent and balanced way.