We are a diverse corps of leaders advancing the educational, cultural, health and economic interests of SLO County citizens.

Leadership SLO is a year-long county-wide program designed to bring participants out of their comfort zones. It’s a rewarding way to learn new things, make friendships that will last a lifetime, explore personal biases, learn new leadership styles and ways of embracing diversity in opinions and people. Our philosophy is simple: We will help you reach your leadership potential, and as a consequence, will build a better community. Leadership SLO is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization governed by the San Luis Obispo Community Leadership Foundation, Inc. It is an independent program of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce.

The program requires a serious commitment of time and energy. Each year, a diverse mix of 36 people participate in the 10-month program, which meets for a 2 ½ day opening retreat in January, then meets once monthly on the second Friday of each month February through October. Each monthly session is all day, from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with each session designed to cover core subjects impacting the community.

Each session is highly participatory, with participants working in both small and large groups. They experience role playing around key issues and are introduced to a variety of existing leaders with different backgrounds and with different points of view. Participants are taught to recognize their leadership style and practice basic leadership skills including public speaking, consensus building and critical thinking. Each class is encouraged to discuss typically divisive issues in a non-hostile, supportive environment.