The retreat is an opportunity for class members to get to know one another on a more personal level and beyond the traditional boundaries of communication. Team building exercises focus on fundamental team development skills, empowerment, and the creation of synergy and trust among the class participants.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Day Chairs:  Henry Perezalonzo (lead), Shelley Despotakis, Paige Meyer, and Tim Traver

This session presents an overview of local government and its relationship to other governmental bodies. Students receive first-hand experience in civic leadership by campaigning and running for public office in a mock city council election.  Opportunities are provided throughout the day to interact with current and former public office holders as well as public service administrators. One of the goals of the program, and this session, in particular, is to familiarize the class with methods of effecting change through the governmental process.

Day Chairs:  Newell Arnerich (lead), Lisa Bobadilla, Bill Clarkson, Mitchell Hopson, and Dominique Yancey

The goal of this session is to explore some of the serious domestic issues facing families, children and the elderly in the San Ramon Valley. Through the fieldwork and class discussions, the program participants will discover what resources are available to address these issues, as well as identify how to access these resources. It is also a day in which volunteer opportunities with non-profit human services providers are discussed.

Day Chairs: Tim Traver (lead), David Behring, Lisa Bobadilla, Kathy Chiverton, Elizabeth Graswich, and Andy Li

During this session, participants acquire an understanding of the role communication plays in leadership including the exploration of the role of communication in crisis vs. the day-to-day setting, the ever-changing role of technology in communication, and how the various types of new media influence public opinion.

Day Chairs:  Elizabeth Graswich (lead), Newell Arnerich, Bill Clarkson, and Bob Combs

Class members gain an appreciation for the variety of issues facing today’s educators and the educational system and gain insight into how these issues impact our local education community (San Ramon Valley Unified School District). Members also have opportunities to observe student learning and school climate through classroom observations and shadowing the principal of a local school.

Day Chairs:  Elizabeth Graswich (lead), Bill Clarkson, Mitchell Hopston and Andy Li