The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (GDMLI) has been a catalyst for building a better Des Moines for more than 20 years. In 1979, A. Arthur Davis brought together a group of community leaders to form the Metro 2000 Committee. The goal was to study Central Iowa’s leadership needs for the year 2000 and beyond. The first Leadership Institute class was selected in 1982.

Ever since, the GDMLI has been dedicated to delivering Iowa’s finest community leadership programs. More than 1,000 alumni, representing approximately 450 companies in the metro area, are proactive community leaders striving to enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens.

The Community Leadership Program (CLP), sometimes referred to as the “traditional class,” is a nine-month program that provides participants with an introduction to the community, including current issues, as well as community highlights and history. Each class session builds upon the teachings of the prior class. Our goal is to provide class members the tools to become “expert volunteers” in the community. The classes follow five key steps:

Start with classes emphasizing community awareness in Greater Des Moines, Polk County, Central Iowa and the state of Iowa.

Move to a discussion on some of the hot topics affecting our community. This may include socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, political and cultural issues. Expose the class to current leaders on the forefront of leading change in the metro area.

At midyear, give the class guidance on identifying and becoming involved with community issues and challenges.

As the second semester progresses, give the participants tools to build their leadership skills, present them with challenging projects and push them out of their comfort zone. Foster class interaction and motivate the class members to support one another in their leadership development.

Finally – get “plugged in.” Create avenues to keep current and past GDMLI graduates involved and motivated to meet community challenges and solve problems together.

This year’s CLP class of 54 leaders has once again proved to be forward thinkers, accepting every task and challenge we have put in front of them. They couldn’t be participating in the institute at a better time. With all of the changes facing our community, the opportunity for volunteerism is endless.

Watch for this year’s CLP class project. It will be one you won’t want to miss!

The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute has grown as an organization and now proudly offers four programs:

• Youth Leadership Initiative

• Community Leadership Program

• Transformational Leadership Program

• Lifetime Leadership Initiative

The institute remains anchored in the community and it depends on local talent and support for its success. For more information about becoming involved, visit www.gdmli.com.

Chris Haviland is an account executive with Coventry Health Care and chairman of the 2004-2005 Community Leadership Program.

The Des Moines Business Record seeks to publish opinions about issues that are important to the economic climate of Central Iowa. To submit a guest opinion piece, please contact Managing Editor Jim Pollock by e-mail at jimpollock@bpcdm.com or by phone at 288-3338, Ext. 241.