File photo Monica Prowitt, right, is presented with a commemorative crystal as a 2022 graduate of Leadership Warren County at the Interfaith Chapel on the Warren State Hospital Grounds.

It’s all about knowing the community and building connections.

Each year, a small class of individuals sets out to grow as stewards of the Warren County community through the Leadership Warren County program.

Throughout their nine months in the program, they learn about key sectors of the county, issues facing the community and how various groups within the region operate. They also connect, not only with each other, but with leadership figures throughout the community that can help make goals to improve life in the county a reality.

“Leadership Warren County is a nine-month curriculum to bring caring, community-minded people together from across the county in an effort to form partnerships to improve the economic vitality and quality of life in Warren County,” according to information on the program’s website. “The program exists to foster a commitment to community trusteeship, and to acquaint participants with the county’s resources, assets, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.”

Participants gain insight into government, health care, insurance, education and other sectors of the community.

“We look for people who want to learn more about the community and be involved and give back,” Director Lacey Hanson said in March. “It’s also about meeting other leaders, networking, and establishing relationships.”

Participants engage in retreats, executive skills development, community impact projects and community awareness sessions as part of their experience. Participants meet, on average, twice per month.

Since its inception, the program can boast more than 200 graduates.

“We purposely limit the program to 12 to 15 participants because we want to build a community of teachers and learners,” according to the website.

Applications are available by visiting leadershipwarrencounty.org and may be returned to Hanson at director@leadershipwarrencounty.org or at the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry at 308 Market St., Warren.