Click here for the Masters Class XIII Application in Microsoft Word.
Click here for the Masters Class XIII Application in PDF format.

The Masters Program educates highly accomplished men and women about the issues in Collier County through a series of in-depth sessions covering all major aspects of community life. Each year, GNL accepts a class of 42 individuals, most of whom are new to this area, and exposes them to ten full-day sessions focusing on history, culture and communication, healthcare, education, environment, growth, human services, government, Immokalee and law. Sessions include presentations, panel discussions, on-site visits and field trips, which are planned by members of the previous Masters Class and overseen by the Class Leaders, who are also members of the GNL board.



The following questions and answers describe the program in more detail:

• Who are the speakers?
• What is required to participate?
• What are the benefits of participating?
• Am I eligible for the program?
• What guidelines ensure class balance?
• After graduation, what is expected of me?
• What is the application process?

Who are the speakers?
Speakers are prominent regional and local experts. They share their perspectives and insights on important current issues and engage in lively question-and-answer dialogue with participants.

What is required to participate?
You are required to attend all ten class sessions as well as Retreat Day and Evaluation Day in order to graduate with your class. Class sessions are full days ranging from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., usually involving bus travel and often considerable walking. Class members, particularly those who are employed full time or have other regular commitments, need to arrange their schedules to devote 100 percent to the GNL Program. Session dates for Class XII are posted in the right-hand column of this page.

What are the benefits of participating?
Within a collegial atmosphere, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the political, cultural, civic and governmental fabric of our county and establish important networking contacts. You will become a prime candidate for appointment to committees, boards and commissions.

After graduation, you will be invited to join GNL’s Alumni Association, which offers outstanding educational events as well as social activities that foster ongoing class friendships.

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Am I eligible for the Program?
The quality, commitment and enthusiasm of its Masters Class participants are the most important assets of Greater Naples Leadership. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has given a great deal of thought to the criteria for selecting class participants.

• Record of Accomplishment. The ideal Masters candidate will be a proven leader in his or her field of endeavor – whether in the for-profit or not-for-profit sector. Most candidates will have achieved a position of leadership and responsibility with a strong track record of accomplishment.
  
  
• Commitment to the Greater Naples community. The Masters Program offers participants a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the issues facing Collier County with one overriding goal in mind: to encourage participants to use their newfound knowledge to “give something back” – to become involved in a significant way in bettering this community. Ideal candidates will be proven leaders looking for ways to apply their skills to community service.
  
  
• Career and life status. Because the focus of the Masters Program is on community service rather than active business networking, we expect that most candidates will be retired or semi-retired and in their 50’s or 60’s. Whether retired or working full time, it is critical that candidates have the time, interest and capability to participate fully in the day-long Master Classes, many of which require considerable walking. Candidates are also required to be proficient in, and utilize e-mail and the Internet.
  
  
• Time in community before and after the Masters Program. Masters Program sessions focus on educating candidates about the needs and issues in Collier County. Successful candidates are typically more recent residents who have a sincere interest in learning about and serving the community. Graduates are expected to live in this area at least half of the year so that they may contribute fully to the community.

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What guidelines ensure class balance?
The organization has established guidelines for candidate selection that will help ensure a diverse and balanced class:

• Husband/Wife applications. Spouses of GNL alumni are welcome to participate in the program provided each one independently meets the selection criteria. Only one spouse may participate in a given year. The other spouse may apply a year or more after the first spouse’s graduation and must be sponsored by another alumnus or alumna. Spouses are limited to 10 percent of the total class.
  
  
• Paid employees in the same organization. No more than one paid employee of a given organization may be accepted in a single year.
  
  
• Gender Balance. GNL’s goal is to achieve gender balance in each class and the wait list.

After graduation, what is expected of me?
At the conclusion of the program, you will be asked to work with members of your class to plan one of the sessions for the following year’s class.

You will also be actively encouraged to use your new knowledge to serve the community. Greater Naples Leadership will assist you in matching your skills, talents and interests with specific community needs.

What is the application process?
Class XIII recruitment process has been finished and the class selected. The application information for Class XIV will be put on the website in  December 2008 with the process beginning in January 2009.

For any additional information about the Master program contact membership@gnlwebsite.org.

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