United Way of the Lower Mainland: Unique Community Leadership Training Provides the Tools to Tackle Metro Vancouver's Most Pressing Social Problems

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 31, 2012) - Metro Vancouver's 65-plus population is expected to double in approximately 20 years time, and by all accounts, we're not ready as a community to accommodate a demographic shift of this magnitude.

Meanwhile BC's child poverty rate remains the highest in Canada, and the tragic consequences of bullying seem to grab the headlines on a regular basis.

Whether a social problem is emerging or seen by some as intractable, United Way's Leadership Vancouver program is determined to take on the challenge of providing solutions. Through a new curriculum, partnership, and focus, this program will offer participants a unique opportunity this fall to gain the tools and insight necessary to help solve some of Metro Vancouver's most pressing social problems.

Bringing together United Way of the Lower Mainland's community building expertise, and Royal Roads University (RRU)'s leadership knowledge and adult learning expertise, Leadership Vancouver is expected to again draw a diverse range of participants from private, public, union and non-profit organizations.

Leadership Vancouver boasts alumni that include business, labour and community leaders, such as Yuri Fulmer, Chairman and CEO, FDC Capital partners. Fulmer, who serves as Board Chair of United Way of the Lower Mainland, says Leadership Vancouver provides participants with the tools and skills to be more strategic and versatile employees. "It provides education and insight into a profoundly deep model of collaboration."

Leadership Vancouver includes work on a community project, where participants will apply their new skills and insights. Participants will also receive academic credits towards RRU's Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management.

Zoe MacLeod, Director of the Centre for Applied Leadership and Management, says the Lower Mainland needs more leaders who can guide the development of communities in a thoughtful, creative and inclusive way. MacLeod says, "We need to better understand new theories of leadership, action learning, community engagement and resilience. Leadership Vancouver is truly a unique program which aligns community and people's needs with action and outcomes through new ideas, new knowledge, new skills and capabilities."

United Way Leadership Vancouver will be held at the Ismaili Centre in Burnaby, with program dates starting from September 2012, and registration closing on July 30, 2012.

For more information on United Way Leadership Vancouver visit http://www.uwlm.ca/leadership-vancouver or contact uwleadershipvancouver@royalroads.ca.