2022-2023 PROGRAM YEAR CALENDAR
2023 PROGRAM YEAR CALENDAR
CLASS ORIENTATION
Wednesday, January 4, 10 am
Short overview of class expectations, policies, and procedures by the LGJ Board of Directors, and
a chance to meet fellow classmates. Business Dress for class photo!
OPENING RETREAT: FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP
Friday/Saturday, January 20 & 21
This session serves as an introduction to the year’s program, to various leadership techniques,
and an introduction to various community service projects. Through a series of both large and
small group exercises, participants will examine their own attitudes and experiences and develop
strategies for more effective leadership.
Dress for your LGJ headshot.
HISTORY, MONEY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
This program will examine Jackson’s past to learn about the future. Participants will explore the
current economic status in the greater Jackson area. Insight will be given to help participants
understand the greater Jackson area’s approach to economic development and plans to address
the challenges and opportunities. This program is designed to provide insight into the business
profile of greater Jackson and to review the role of business, industry, and employment in the
community.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES: HOW TO MAKE IT WORK!
Friday, February 10, 2023
This program is designed to give participants an opportunity to examine and understand the issue
of race as it pertains to us individually and as a society. The group will also explore how to use
diversity as a positive influence in building personal and community wealth.
THE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THE LAW
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Our justice system is charged with implementing political decisions made by the legislative and
executive branches of our government and resolving social problems when the political process
has not provided guidance. What are our expectations of our systems of justice? How well do our
systems work? This program will explore the problems, frustrations, and concerns of the law and
our justice systems in greater Jackson.
MID-YEAR RETREAT: STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Tuesday/Wednesday, March 21 & 22
This program will also explore the ever-changing climate of local government. Current issues, as
well as future trends, will be analyzed by local leaders. Alliances and power balances between
government, business and constituency groups will be discussed. What is alliance building power
and influence? Who builds alliances? Who wields power? Who has influence? The program will
examine the impact of each of these topics. (Class will be required to attend a local city council
meeting.)
At the retreat, participants will also reflect on their Leadership Greater Jackson experiences to
date and explore opportunities and challenges in greater Jackson.
EDUCATION
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
This program will focus on education from preschool through college graduation and beyond
including an investigation of education reform, public education, curriculum, and literacy in
greater Jackson. The challenges and resources of higher education will also be examined.
HUMAN NEEDS, HEALTH AND SERVICES
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
This program will identify and recognize areas of need and will focus on healthcare and social
service facilities and programs. The greater Jackson area is a community of contrast and
complexity. This program will examine current human needs and problems. Also, the critical
relationship between the legislature and its effects on human needs, health and services in the
greater Jackson area will be explored.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The tangible and intangible ingredients of quality living will be explored and researched. What
characteristics make a city worthwhile and attractive? What avenues of involvement are
available for participants? How does the quality of life and economic growth relate? Also, the
importance of religion in greater Jackson will be related to issues in previous programs. This
program will challenge participants to plan a course of action to make an individual and
community difference in the quality of life of greater Jackson.
CLOSING RETREAT
Friday, May 26, 2023
This one-day, local metro Jackson, retreat will be planned in part by the participants to include
group presentations and to serve as a review and culmination of the LEADERSHIP GREATER
JACKSON year. *Budget guidance will be given to the class in advance.
GRADUATION
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
This is a celebration to honor the members of the 2023 class for the successful completion of the
program requirements.