More than likely, you have several shelves full of books about leadership and management. Maybe you’ve attended a four-hour seminar on some aspect of leadership. You’ve listened to motivational speakers. If that has worked for you, great. If not, consider going in a new direction with a community leadership program.

I believe that leadership happens in the doing, not the reading. I compare it to riding a bike or sex. You can read all the books you want about riding a bicycle, but it doesn’t really make sense until you get on the bike. That’s where you really learn. The first few times you try to pedal on your own, you’re going to fall. (Now, if you fall off during your first few attempts at sex, then you’re either doing it extremely badly or exceptionally well!)

Most community leadership programs have some things in common. They start with a kick-off retreat where the new class gets to meet, listen to speakers, do team building exercises and set goals for the year. Some programs are a little more intense than others.

After the retreat, the class typically meets monthly to listen to and interact with a variety of speakers and experts. They can be elected officials and other leaders in business, education, government, religion and the nonprofit world. The topics include local government, local history, economic development, education, health care, immigration, law enforcement, housing, and other critical issues for the community and the region.

During the sessions, students can ask any question. The sessions are off the record, so speakers can speak bluntly. These interactions with and connections to the movers and shakers in the community are valuable contacts for class members because the setting is small and intimate. This also gives students a broader and deeper understanding of the critical issues impacting their community, something they might not otherwise experience.

Some programs also include speakers who address leadership skills and development beyond the session topics. This may include communication skills, team building, team culture, presiding over meetings, motivation, etc.

Community leadership programs often encourage the class to develop a group project to benefit the community. It is through this project that class members get a chance to put their leadership skills into practice and hone them. It is also a great networking opportunity.

The other advantage is that you are working with a group of people with a vested interest in your success. In this way, you don’t do things on your own. You work with a team that will support your efforts and learning. Additionally, the program may provide a mentor to help you throughout the year. Once you complete the program, you have a network of people who have similar experiences. Not only are they fellow graduates, they also become friends.

Over the last 30 years, I have worked with several community leadership programs, primarily in directing their kick-off retreat. I am currently working with the Tri-City Leadership Program to start a new community leadership program in the Alamo, San Juan and Pharr communities.

If you live or work in those communities and are 21 and over, then you can apply for the program. Other programs have similar requirements. I would strongly encourage you to apply for one of these programs.

An online search will let you know if there is a community leadership program in your area. Or you can contact me if you can’t find one in your community. Maybe it’s time to start one.

Books can be a great help once you get your feet wet in a community leadership program. It’s time to start pedaling.