About the Leadership Institute

Mission

Educating leaders to create public policy that is environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and economically viable for a sustainable community.

About the Institute

Founded in 2000, the Leadership Institute is a 501(c)3 public charity based in Sonoma County and dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for California's North Coast. Our mission is to train people to be more effective leaders, and to educate community leaders and the public to understand that the future of our economy and quality of life are dependent on each other. The Institute is active throughout the year, providing education, training, and networking opportunities for community leaders. We have four main program areas:

• Leadership Training for a Sustainable Future
• Policy-Maker Outreach
• Community Education
• Leadership Networking

Sustainability

Sustainability recognizes that the planet's resources are finite, and that if we want to be responsible stewards of the earth, we have to use those resources wisely, so they last indefinitely. To act responsibly in this regard, we must look beyond our day to day lives. We must examine the impacts of our actions in a broader context. We must demonstrate leadership to our friends and neighbors, and embrace ecological sustainability as a continual process of improvement.

A Focus on Policy Matters

Existing laws, regulations, and economic policy make it costly and difficult to live a sustainable lifestyle. There is a growing consensus that government must make it easier to protect our natural environment, foster social equity, and support a prosperous local economy. Most elected and appointed officials want to do the right thing - they need encouragement, education, and support. The political will to change will come from a grassroots movement, not from city hall.