My predecessor, Myles, was fond of a quote by Gary Snyder: “Find your place in the world. Dig in and take responsibility from there.”
That’s what Leadership Park City was founded on — the belief that when residents dig in and participate in the hard work of building community, we all thrive.
Each year, Leadership Park City selects a diverse group of individuals to embark on a one-year journey. Our mission is timeless: To equip participants with the skills, confidence, and connections to drive community impact through immersive civic and leadership training.
It’s a hands-on, dynamic experience. We explore the foundations of local government, challenge ourselves to gain a deeper understanding of our leadership styles, and examine the issues shaping life in our community. We travel together to learn how other destinations solve complex problems and develop projects to provide service to our community.
But the real magic is in the relationships. Class members emerge with lifelong friendships, a shared vocabulary of leadership, and a new sense of belonging in the Park City story.
I know this because I’ve lived it, both as a participant and now as director of the program. The greatest and most unexpected gift of this new position has been my conversations with alumni. No matter if they were in Class 30 or Class 3, alumni go out of their way to tell me how much the program has shaped their lives. Each story is humbling and inspiring, a north star for a program that has become part of the fabric of our community.
Applications for Class 32 are now open at www.applyforleadership.com. If you live or work in Summit County and care about the future of this place, I hope you’ll consider applying. Additionally, please consider attending our Open House on Aug. 4 at the Park City Library from 5:30 to 7 p.m. You’ll meet alumni, ask questions, and get a feel for whether this journey might be right for you.
We’re not looking for polished résumés or perfect public speakers. We’re looking for curious people who want to make a difference. If that sounds like you, we’d be honored to have you join us.
Scott van Hartesvelt
Director, Leadership Park City