ADULT PROGRAM
The overall curriculum has been designed to meet broad-based objectives. Seminar topics, speakers, and activities may vary from one class to another depending on current issues. Each seminar has been designed after extensive review and evaluation processes based on what works and has been approved by the Curriculum Committee.
The general curriculum topics have already been determined. It is not possible to discuss every issue in each seminar that everyone wishes. Each seminar day will be packed with touring opportunities, forums, presentations, and leadership activities.
We will do our best to provide a range of activities and speakers for each seminar to maintain your interest.
The evaluation process is extremely important to our planning efforts. At the close of each course day, you will be asked to evaluate the seminar, the speakers, and the accommodations.
We welcome suggestions or recommendations for improvements.
RETREAT
September
Leadership Hot Springs begins the annual program with the retreat at The Vines Center in Ferndale (West Little Rock). The retreat schedule includes activities to get acquainted, rope courses, classes in communication and leadership, and social activities. Many components are facilitated by the UofA ExCEL Leadership Program.
HISTORY / CULTURE & DIVERSITY DAY
October
Prior to the day, classmates are asked to visit the Historical markers placed in the sidewalks between the fountain by the Majestic and the corner of Central Avenue and Prospect Avenue. Historical sites toured with the information provided by Historical Society, Visitors Chapel AME Church, Webb Community Center, National Park Service.
LAW ENFORCEMENT DAY
November
Group will visit the City Police Department; District Court; Juvenile Court; Detention Center; eat lunch provided by the Sheriff's department, travel to Spring Street Substation; have policing presentation and substation tour; have presentation provided by Hot Springs Police Department including the K-9 Demonstration and meeting with FBI Special agent. Homework includes a ride-along with either a City Police; County Sheriff or any other law enforcement officer.
ECONOMIC DAY
December
Local economy overview by Chamber of Commerce and GCEDC; Tourism impact and outlook interview with Steve Arrison. Technology Panel Discussion with representatives from Stanley Associates; Aerojet; Accent and Xerox. Manufacturing Panel Discussion with Munro & Company Triumph Fabrication and Triumph Airborne Structures; ending with a market presentation by Cranford, Johnson Robinson, and Woods including a Tour of the Convention Center.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES DAY
January
Day includes panel discussion with Chairman from Charitable Christian Medical Clinic; St Joseph's Mercy Health Center; National Park Medical Center; Health Park Hospital. Tour of First Step School, Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center, and Small Group Therapy. Round table discussion on aging and senior care. Samaritan Ministries and Emergency Response will also present information on their programs.
STATE & FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DAY
February
Objective is to furnish participants with an overview of the operations of state and federal government entities; provide the opportunity for direct contact with and insight from State and Federal Officials; direct contact with the policy-makers and bill-makers, judges, senators, representatives, state office holders, and lobbyists and to focus on key issues affecting the current politics of the State of Arkansas. Group will travel to the State Capitol. Homework will include research of how a bill becomes a law.
EDUCATION DAY
March
Study of the educational opportunities available in the Hot Springs Area. Travel and touring the Arkansas School for Math, Science, and Arts; Oaklawn Magnet School; Gardner Magnet School, Fountain Lake School. Panel discussion on other area schools.
CITY/COUNTY GOVERNMENT DAY
April
Airport update including a tour of the facility; overview of City Government; Panel Discussion with Hot Springs Board of Directors; Year in Government; Meet City Department Heads.
ENVIRONMENT DAY
May
Sponsors are Weyerhaeuser Company and National Park Medical Center. Tour will include wastewater treatment & composting centers; Entergy Park; Garvan Woodland Gardens with information and discussions of those facilities. Virtually every element of community leadership is influenced by and has an impact on our environment. This dual-action of influence and impact requires awareness and attention to the tradeoffs. Actions taken to enhance one aspect of the environment may degrade another.
The greatest community benefit is served when environmental tradeoffs are understood and balanced. Goals are increased participant awareness of some of the factors impacting the environment in our community - specifically, learn more about: environmental tradeoffs associated with producing forest products; the importance of parks and green space to our community's environment; infrastructure and environment; utilizing environmental assets to promote tourism; environmental decision - making and issues on the horizon.
EXPECTATIONS
Participants who are admitted into the Leadership Hot Springs Program are expected to follow the following criteria:
ATTENDANCE
Everyone is expected to attend every one of the sessions, from its beginning to its conclusion. Many people have made large investments in finances and time to bring this program to you and to our community. The Leadership class day is a full day of participation. Everyone is expected to be in attendance the full day unless you have permission from the director to leave early. If there are problems with attendance at seminars, the Leadership Hot Springs Board of Directors will review continued participation. Missing more than two (2) sessions voids graduation from this program, but may be allowed to complete the program in future years. Courtesy of informing the director of leaving due to emergency. Unexcused absences are reviewed by the Board of Directors.
CONDUCT
Participants are expected to show the highest level of personal and professional conduct. As a role model for your classmates and other community members, participants are asked to remember that perception is reality and thus, members should not participate in any activity that would bring disrespect to themselves, to their communities or to the Leadership Hot Springs program. All cell phones and pagers must be turned off or to a silent mode during class sessions. Breaks are provided during the day for your use in making phone calls, etc.
LISTENING
Bring an OPEN mind to each session. We will be dealing with issues that are often controversial and you will be visiting with people whose opinions may differ from yours. Listen to the others' ideas first. Determine the value those ideas may have or may not have for you and your community.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Show respect for each day chairperson, for sponsors, speakers and for your classmates. Even when you disagree with them, they deserve your respect. It is always appropriate to express strong opinions in class. Be prepared to defend your position, but do not belittle or criticize others in the process. In the same vein, do not monopolize any session by espousing your personal views to the detriment of the program.
DRESS CODE
The dress code for the opening retreat will be casual attire, including jeans or shorts when the weather and activities permit. The dress code for the remaining seminars will be "business dress". This will include a suit or sports jacket for the men and suits, dresses or pants outfits for women. On Environment Day, casual wear will also be appropriate. Additional recommendations will be made based on what our experience suggest is appropriate for the situation.
HOMEWORK
Complete each homework assignment in a timely manner. Your homework assignments are designed to enhance the program and will greatly add to your understanding of each seminar.
THANK YOU NOTES
It will be your responsibility to ensure the success and vitality of future programs by expressing appreciation to the day chairs, presenters, tour guides, and speakers. Many of these individuals have been with the program for a number of years. Your expression of appreciation to them will be of tremendous benefit to us as we call upon them for future participation. We urge you to write thank you notes to those resource people that you meet through this program.
CLASS GOAL
Each class is asked to determine a goat to accomplish for the community or a project that they can be involved with following the completion of the program. Each class elects officers to help organize and administer the goals and projects. By working together the class will get to know each other's skills develops. Service is a key characteristic of a leader.
GROWTH
Our most important expectation of participants is that they broaden their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and prepare the giving back to our community.