Recognizing that leadership development is an essential part of the process of improving our association and profession, the Missouri Association of REALTORS® (MAR) has developed a Leadership Academy. Through this program, MAR identifies emerging REALTOR^® leaders from among its members, encourages them with motivational activities, and assists in sharpening their leadership skills so that they may exert a strong positive influence on the future of MAR, their local boards/associations and the profession.

The goals of the program are:

·         To identify Missouri REALTORS® who have
demonstrated leadership potential and an interest
in the REALTOR® organization, its history and goals.

·         To train participants in leadership skills.

·         To motivate participants by:

o    Increasing their awareness of real estate
and association management issues
and challenges.

o    Involving them in problem-solving activities
on issues of current interest.

·         To provide a network of leaders from across the state
who are actively involved in improving the association
and the profession.

The participants work together in a training course of five retreats that combine individual study, group sessions, and actual project experience.  Sessions include identification of leadership skills, team-building exercises, goal setting, personal profile analysis, communication and ethical decision-making.

Attendance at all retreats is mandatory. Typically there are five (5) – 2-1/2 day retreats that are held in October, January, April, July, and September – the exact dates are posted with program details here. If you have any questions regarding these sessions, contact Vivian Benedict at MAR at 800-403-0101, ext. 114.

All MAR members are eligible to apply to the Leadership Academy. Tuition for the program is typically $2500; MAR will subsidize approximately $1300 and KCRAR will pay the balance for up to two members selected by a KCRAR committee as representatives from our local association.

To apply for one of the KCRAR-subsidized positions, download the application and submit it NO LATER THAN 5:00 May 1, 2010 to:

KCRAR

Attn: Debbie Strange

11150 Overbrook Rd, #100

Leawood, KS  66211

Phone:  913-266-5925

Email:  debbies@kcrar.com

Fax:  913-498-1110

KCRAR will recommend up to two applicants. If the committee receives more applications than KCRAR can subsidize and recommend to MAR, the additional applicants will be advised that they may apply directly to MAR.

Participation in the MAR Leadership Academy is open to REALTORS® living in the state of Missouri. A maximum of 12 to 16 individuals will be selected to participate in the program. Since the number of appointments to the MAR Leadership Academy is limited, applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years.

Participants will be chosen by the MAR Leadership Academy Steering Committee based on the completed applications, geographic location and gender. These potential leaders will be active in their local boards/associations, and/or real estate specialty areas, community-based organizations or other volunteer venues.

*Note:  Those who fail to attend will be asked to withdraw, with no refund of tuition.

The program tuition is based on double-room occupancy. This is a budgetary consideration and promotes the teamwork that is an integral part of the program.  If a participant has a specific need that precludes sharing a room or simply prefers single room accommodations, he or she will be responsible for paying the entire cost of the room, not just the differential between a single and a double room.

** The tuition covers speakers, the training sessions, meals, overnight accommodations and instructional materials for all five retreats. Additional costs to the participants will include transportation from home to the retreat site and select minimal expenses which may be incurred.

Application forms should include as much information as possible. However, answers should be limited to the space available.