Leadership Wood Buffalo is open to everyone residing within Wood Buffalo aged 18+. Those who are interested in learning more about themselves, their community, community organizations, and how they can contribute to making Wood Buffalo a healthy and vibrant place to live are excellent fits for the program.  

The program costs $2850. Applying is free and payment is not required until you have been selected for the program.

FuseSocial awards the Sana Elache Bursary to one cohort participant each year, as well as an Indigenous Scholarship. Many participants also receive funding from their employers, and may also consider applying for external grants or bursaries such as Muttart Foundation. Payment plans are available upon request. For more information on how to apply for financial support, please email leadershipwb@fusesocial.ca 

You don’t have to be a leader to participate in the program. All you need is a heart for community development.

The program is nine months long, running from September-May. Because we understand that people have other commitments, we roll out all the dates for our events the moment applications begin. LWB is designed to accommodate individuals with various commitments and schedules. We require a letter of support from participants’ employers (if applicable) outlining they are aware of their staff members required commitment to this program and will support their attendance. Attendance at the community action day, opening retreat, and closing retreat is mandatory, and attendance at a minimum of 6 learning days is required.

Self-Awareness & Personal Leadership: Participants engage in deep self-reflection to identify their values and strengths, build connections with cohort members, and embrace accountability and lifelong learning. They explore how to leverage personal strengths for collective action and lead with integrity, confidence, and purpose. 

Systems & Healthy Communities: Participants examine the interconnectedness of community systems and gain insights into social, political, and economic dynamics. They are empowered to challenge the status quo and adopt a change-maker mindset to drive meaningful change. Participants learn from people and organizations committed to making the region a healthy home for all.  

Engaging Diverse Voices: The program encourages deep self-reflection on personal biases and perspectives, while championing the critical values of equity, inclusion, and amplifying underrepresented voices. Participants gain insights from social profit organizations dedicated to serving and advocating for historically marginalized communities, enriching their understanding of the diversity of our region. 

Reconciliation in Community Leadership: Participants are guided to acknowledge past injustices, understand current realities, promote inclusivity, and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Throughout the program participants learn about systemic inequities, celebrate resiliency, and hold space for open dialogue. 

Community Leadership & Governance: Participants gain practical knowledge in social profit board governance and municipal government dynamics, exploring the power of civic engagement and effective collaboration within their communities. 

Influencing and Mobilizing Through Relationships:  The program emphasizes effective communication, conflict resolution, and mobilizing others to achieve shared goals. Community leaders foster stronger relationships through active involvement, creating positive change and inspiring collective responsibility.

Finding Voice in Leadership: Participants explore the power of authentic communication in leadership by building confidence, presence, and clarity in how they speak and present. Through practical exercises and reflective dialogue, they uncover their unique voice, practice public speaking, and learn to communicate with purpose and conviction.