Annually, Leadership Seacoast accepts a diverse group of established and emerging leaders to participate in its seven-month (10-day) community leadership program. Regional issues are examined through the perspectives of experts, on-site visits, readings, discussion groups, problem-solving exercises, and other experiential activities. Participants explore and examine key issues impacting the cultural, social, political and economic lives of Seacoast residents.

Graduates of the program leave with an expanded awareness of the issues impacting the Seacoast region, a network of leaders who can support each other in building a stronger community, and a demonstration of the interconnectedness of the topics covered during the program year.

The Coastal Region of New Hampshire that stretches 13 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and as far west as Epping and as far north as Rochester is home to Leadership Seacoast. Participants typically livei n the cities and towns of Dover, Greenland, Durham, Exeter, North Hampton, Hampton, New Castle, Portsmouth, Rye, and Stratham as well as Kittery and York, as well as others.

At Leadership Seacoast, diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than just words to us, they are guiding principles that are central to our mission and vision. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or any other dimension of diversity. We believe that diversity strengthens our organization and enriches our work, allowing us to better understand and address the complex challenges we aim to tackle.

We strive to create an inclusive culture that embraces and values the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of every individual involved in our organization, including our staff, volunteers, board members, partners, and the communities we serve. We are dedicated to cultivating a safe and welcoming space where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.

In our pursuit of equity, we recognize the historical and systemic barriers that certain communities have faced and continue to face. We are committed to identifying and dismantling these barriers within our organization and in the broader society.

We are dedicated to continuously learning and improving our practices to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral components of our decision-making, policies, programs, and services. We value open dialogue, feedback, and collaboration as we work towards a more just and inclusive society.