By Town Crier Report

The Leadership Education ADvancement series (LEAD) is accepting applications for the 2006-2007 series. The community involvement education course is designed to develop community leaders in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, and connect them with other influential members of the community.

Sponsored by the Los Altos Community Foundation since 1996, more than 175 people have completed the course and many have become elected officials or non-profit volunteers. Current Los Altos Councilman Curtis Cole and Los Altos Hills Councilman Jean Mordo are among the graduates. Other recent graduates include bankers Cindy Luedtke and Steve Shepherd and attorneys Alex Myers and Marlis McAllister.

The hands-on leadership program increases a participant’s knowledge of the socioeconomic, political, and educational structures of the two communities. Topics include local government, commerce, education, the library and history museum, social services, recreation, youth activities, and the arts and community service organizations. Volunteer opportunities are highlighted.

The meetings are scheduled the last Monday of each month Sept. 25 through May. Each session is held in a community location related to the topic. Community Foundation volunteers organize the eight-session course.

Criteria for applying for the leadership course include the ability to make a serious time commitment, willingness to be an active participant and experience in or a desire for community service.

Class size is limited to 25 participants to maximize the effectiveness of the program dialogue.

There is a one-time fee of $100 to cover meals and materials.

For more information or applications, contact Joanne Byrne at 949-5908, ext. 5, e-mail Joanne@losaltoscf.org or visit www.losaltoscf.org.