Changing Our Community
One Leader at a Time

Discover | Connect | Inspire

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1988 by a group of seacoast community residents concerned about furthering civic engagement in the community, Leadership Seacoast is a nonprofit community leadership organization dedicated to enriching and inspiring both emerging and existing leaders within the Seacoast Community. Leadership Seacoast is one of over 3,000 community leadership programs in the U.S. providing the opportunity to meet and learn from those who are actively involved with issues that will shape the future of the Seacoast.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Leadership Seacoast is to build a stronger Seacoast Region for all by engaging and inspiring people to lead positive change in their communities.

OUR VISION

We envision a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community through connected, informed, and active community leaders.

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.

Years Involved in Our Community

35

Companies in Our Community

150

Graduates in Our Community

1200

The Leadership Seacoast Approach

“Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make a difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.”

Thomas Ehrlich, (Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching)

Leadership Seacoast Icon
DEVELOP

A base of effective, knowledgable and engaged community members.

CREATE

An effective network of citizens who support each other in building a stronger community.

EXPLORE

Community issues and and opportunities for personal involvement.

INSPIRE

Alumni engagement that positively impacts the Seacoast Community.

Become an Alumni Member Today!

Gain access to our Membership Directory by becoming a Visionary Member!

Latest News and Events

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Meet & Greet

in Events

September 18 • 8am at Community Action Partnership of Strafford County Join us on September 18 at 8am to learn Why You Should Apply to

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Celebrate the Class of 2024!

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Join us at The 801 to celebrate the Leadership Seacoast Class of 2024’s graduation. Email Lori Waltz at director@leadershipseacoast.org to register. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024

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A Special Thank You

TO OUR SPONSORS

Leadership Seacoast is deeply grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of our programs.

Want to Learn More

Contact us