Morgan Hill residents are invited to join the Class of 2024

Class of 2022 at June 3, 2023 ribbon cutting to officially turn the project over to the City of Morgan Hill. Photo by Marty Cheek

By David Dindak

David Dindak

It takes a village to build a community, but let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t know where to start. Well, fear not. We’ve got the ticket for you to jump into the heart of Morgan Hill and make a difference. Drum roll, please . . . introducing Leadership Morgan Hill!

Don’t be fooled by the fancy name — it’s not a secret society of superheroes or training program for future world leaders (although we wouldn’t mind a cape and some superpowers!). Leadership Morgan Hill is a nonprofit organization developing outstanding leaders since 1995. With nearly 500 graduates and counting, it’s like a leadership factory without the conveyor belt and heavy machinery.

The goal is simple: “Inspire, Connect, Serve” for a better Morgan Hill. And how do we achieve this? Through a structured training program. You’ll be introduced to the nuts and bolts of our government, local organizations, and the opportunities available for volunteerism. It’s like a crash course in community super heroism, minus the tights and spandex.

Classes cover a variety of topics including local government day, local history day, economics, agriculture and environmental day (let’s get green and grow some veggies), and education day (because knowledge is power).

But it’s not all serious business. Along the way you’ll meet a bunch of amazing people just as passionate about our town as you. They are the movers and shakers shaping Morgan Hill’s future and making it the incredible place it is today.

Still not convinced? Well, how about this: alumni include mayors, councilpersons, teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders. Don’t mean to brag, but Leadership is kind of a big deal. And upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to serve your community like a pro with newfound skills and superpowers (figuratively speaking, of course).

Now, let’s talk logistics. Except for a couple of special events, classes are held one Monday and one Friday per month from January to mid-September. It’s an efficient investment of time, like binge-watching your favorite show, but with more personal growth and less popcorn.

Oh, did I mention companies can develop employees by supporting their enrollment? It’s a win-win situation. You get an enhanced performer, and we get nurtured future community leaders.

Ins and outs of fundraising is a large part of the program as half of the organization’s expenses is covered through sponsorships and donations.

Each class takes on a project aimed to improve/enhance the city’s brand. Class of ’23 is renovating the BBQ area at the Community Park. Class of ’22 got those snazzy Morgan Hill gateway signs up at both ends of Monterey. So, not only will you learn, grow, and connect, you’ll also leave your mark on our beautiful town. It’s like killing two birds with one stone, except we’re more into saving birds and making the world a better place.

To get a taste of the Leadership Morgan Hill experience, you’re invited to join the Class of 2024. Recruiting/Information nights will be held at Guild Mortgage, 155 E. Main Ave., #170 at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, and Thursday, Aug. 17. And if you want to kick back, relax, and meet some alumni in the meantime, they gather at Bubbles at 6 p.m., every first Friday of the month.

For details reach Leadership at [email protected] and check them out on the web at leadershipmorganhill.org.

Until next month, wishing you the rest July has to offer.

David Dindak is the president of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association, president/no-owner Bubbles & Brew and a REMax Realtor.