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Tempe accepting applications for leadership program

By Elizabeth Neuse

State Press

Applications for the intensive nine-month Tempe Leadership class program, modeled after Valley Leadership and exposing students to issues affecting the community, are due March 31.

In the past, 20 applicants have been selected each year to learn about the city's government, business and culture.

The course that begins this fall costs $400 per student. The class takes field trips -- exposure days -- where participants visit various locations in Tempe to learn how the town operates. Any adult Tempe resident can apply.

Jim Buchanan, superintendent of Tempe Union High School District, will preside over the program this year. He said the purpose of the program is to identify a cadre of potential community leaders.

"They use the leadership year to learn about the needs of the community and establish a network that will help them assume roles to move the community forward," Buchanan said.

Faye Orangio, administrative assistant at the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, is the liaison for the application process for Buchanan.

Orangio said the current session will visit the Tempe Fire Department this week to get hands-on experience.

In addition, Tempe Cares, a program started 10 years ago by the leadership program alumni supporting community service projects, will do a neighborhood cleanup Saturday. The group has chosen a neighborhood near Scales Elementary School on West Fifth Avenue.

Buchanan said the program has been very successful over the years in vitalizing areas through cleanup, painting and repair efforts.

"After people have gone through the program we'd like to see them put their interest and efforts back into the community," Orangio said.

Mayor Neil Giuliano, who took the course 15 years ago, said he would recommend the course to Tempe residents.

"It's a great experience to learn more about the community," Giuliano said.

Orangio said although Tempe Fire Chief Cliff Jones also took the course, applicants do not have to be high-ranking officials.

"An awful lot of people that are not in high ranking positions are doing a lot for the community," Orangio said.

Buchanan said that leaders of every part of the community have benefited from the class, from city council members to cub scout leaders and members of church and neighborhood boards.

Elizabeth Neuse can be reached by e-mail at elezabeth Neuse@asu.edu