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Our Vision

Our high quality training and education,
reflecting evolving market demand,
reduces poverty and increases prosperity ­
ultimately raising the standard of living
of citizens traditionally left behind.

Leadership LOUD

Our Brochure About the Leadership LO/UD Program Apply

Our Brochure

Click here to download the brochure for the Spring 2009 class.

About Our Leadership Program

The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation has provided funding for a Leadership program exclusively for qualified individuals in the Lower Orangeburg and Upper Dorchester communities, and you may be able to take advantage of this opportunity.  The program titled Leadership LO/UD is designed to meet the needs of highly motivated individuals who want to influence the direction of Orangeburg and/or Dorchester Counties in a positive way.

Leadership LO/UD seeks to identify emerging community individuals who want to contribute their time and talent to improve all aspects of living in Orangeburg and/or Dorchester Counties and who want to develop the leadership skills required to bring about positive change. The training is organized into six sessions:

  1. Orientation
  2. Social Issues
  3. Health and Human Services
  4. Government
  5. Education
  6. Graduation

To Apply

  1. Download and complete the application form.
  2. The application deadline for the Fall 2009 program in is July 30, 2009.

  3. Mail it to:
  4. LOUD Community Development Corporation
    Post Office Box 635
    Bowman, South Carolina 29018
  5. If you have questions, please contact us.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Lower Orangeburg/Upper Dorchester (LOUD) Community Development Corporation is to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for rural communities through collaboration among community partners including churches, education and training providers, service agencies, employers and other concerned individuals.

Lower Orangeburg Upper Dorchester Community Corporation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

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Vision Statement

The LOUD Development Corporation envisions an improved quality of life for all residents where everyone will enjoy equal access to a wide range of employment opportunities that pay livable wages and offer meaningful careers. The process of planning for future growth will be ongoing, continuous, and inclusive to achieve this vision. Public-private partnerships will be forged to implement innovative solutions to community challenges, and all sectors of the community will work together to provide the tools and resources necessary to build a sustainable, self-sufficient community.

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Program Concept

Leadership LOUD is a program committed to developing a group of informed, dedicated, and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic and progressive leadership for the Lower Orangeburg/ Upper Dorchester communities.

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Selection of Participants

The selection process will be determined by a set of criteria based upon educational background, work experience, community involvement, goal statement and references. The Board of Directors will make final selections.

The program will admit a maximum of 25 participants. Applicants will be notified by Leadership LOUD Board of Directors regarding their admission status and upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of achievement signed by State Officials.

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Program Overview

Leadership LOUD starts May 2008 with an informal orientation session. The orientation will combine team building exercises, community leadership overview, and personal leadership development.

The sessions continue monthly for a total of six monthly full-day sessions over the course of six months, as area leaders in business, government, education and service organizations come together to inform and enlighten participants. Each session and topics will address needs and opportunities within your community. The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony and a final presentation.

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Attendance Policy

Attendance requirements reflect the commitment and investment necessary to receive meaningful experience from the Leadership LOUD program. The Orientation Session is mandatory to provide the direction for group and individual expectations. All classes require full-day attendance. Unavoidable absences must be limited and should be planned in advance with LOUD staff so that alternate learning experiences may be assigned. Excessive absences may prevent program completion.

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Group Project

The group project is an integral part of the Leadership LOUD program and provides hands-on leadership development opportunities. Small groups of participants, in collaboration with LOUD staff, choose their project and develop it throughout the course of the program. This will require each group to meet outside the regular program schedule to research, to develop, and to implement their project prior to graduation.

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Community Involvement

Following graduation, Leadership LOUD participants are expected to continue developing their leadership skills by applying their experiences in their communities. Participants will be provided an opportunity to work with area agencies and community organizations.

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