LETTER TO THE EDITOR:Leadership group served him well

As I retire as the chairman of the board of Leadership Tomorrow, I would like to take this opportunity to thank literally hundreds of people responsible for helping “LT” change the lives of so many ? me included. Clearly, I cannot mention everyone by name, but you all know who you are.

A few years ago, I wanted to become more involved in civic leadership, but really had no idea how. I wasn’t sure who to contact, what role I might play, or even what I was interested in. Fortunately, I was directed to Leadership Tomorrow and subsequently became a member of the Class of 1999.

I not only found the answers to my questions, but over the course of a year, had the privilege of interacting with, debating and learning from some of the finest individuals I have ever met.

I am an educator, and, like most professionals, I tended to debate issues with other educators. In my Leadership Tomorrow class there were professionals from the private sector, government, nonprofit and journalism [fields] whose perceptions of those same issues were very different from mine.

In addition, I tended to lead rather than follow, which is easy until you find yourself in a group who all see themselves similarly. Gaining new perspectives on community issues and learning [that] effective leadership demands consensus-building were just two areas of enormous personal growth resulting from my experience in Leadership Tomorrow.

Now, I find myself involved in a myriad of community activities bringing me great enjoyment and personal satisfaction.

New opportunities to contribute, share my voice and problem solve present themselves almost daily ? none of which would have been possible without all of you who I have met and worked with for the last eight years. Thank you for what you have helped me do.

If you’re wishing that you could gain more information on important issues facing your community, or have a greater voice in how your community leaders address those issues, or you just want to give something back to your community by volunteering, Leadership Tomorrow can help you accomplish all of this and more.

The class is comprised of 25 to 28 leaders from the private sector, government, education, nonprofits and journalism, ensuring each class member gains a wide variety of perspectives on all of the issues thoughtfully presented by the very civic leaders who are addressing them.

The class is exposed to 125 to 150 speakers, panelists, and local government officials over the course of nine months ? many of whom will be valuable resources for Leadership Tomorrow graduates as they embark on their own paths to civic leadership.

If you are interested in becoming part of our upcoming class beginning in September, please contact Jeff Parker, Executive Administrator at (949) 729-4408.

TIM BROWN

Newport Beach