About Leadership Hudson

Leadership Hudson was established in 2002 as a community service project of Hudson Clocktower Rotary, chartered by Rotary International. Rotary International’s motto is “Service Above Self.” The stated purpose and goals of Leadership Hudson are:

• To educate interested residents of Hudson and persons who work in Hudson about its various community organizations and businesses
• To encourage participation in volunteer-run and/or civic organizations
• To build a leadership resource to serve future community needs

Leadership Hudson class members learn to embrace a “Service Above Self” mindset over the course of a nine-month educational program. The program involves visits from local government, school, and community organization leaders who present lessons in leadership, ethics, and history. It also involves guided tours of civic and educational facilities throughout the community, helping class members better understand how our community operates.

Leadership Hudson classes are kept small in size to ensure every class member has a meaningful role and opportunities to collaborate closely with their peers. One key outcome of this collaboration is a class project (decided upon by the class members) designed to benefit the Hudson community. Class projects have included a wide range of initiatives; you can view a list of projects here.

To date, there are approximately 200 alumni of 18 Leadership Hudson classes. Alumni serve in many elected, appointed, and volunteer positions in civic, community, and governmental organizations.

Leadership Hudson is coordinated by volunteer facilitators and a volunteer board. In 2015, Leadership Hudson became a nonprofit public charity, allowing it to become eligible for grant funding and to serve as fiscal sponsor for class projects.