Who We Are

The ALP mission is to enhance the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals.  The association believes true, organic community leadership involves looking at situations, opportunities, or challenges through the lens of the whole community, and pursuing a course that builds the well-being of all.

ALP is active in 45 of the contiguous states, including an international presence in Canada, Australia and Germany.  With over 300 members, ALP is THE connection source for community leadership programs. Our membership is open to leadership organizations/programs, whether based in a chamber of commerce, university, government or similar entity, or as an independent (non-profit) organization.

Among the many benefits offered to members, building relationships, sharing best practices and connecting with others in our field, are among the top requests.  The searchable database and the Resource Library have a wealth of information for strengthening and growing leadership programs.

As a membership add-on, the most progressive ALP members can become Pacesetters and serve as models and exemplars of the industry. A Pacesetter is someone who thinks two steps ahead - not where we are today, but where should we be in the future. 

Testimonials

My why for ALP is simple: people and connection. Being in the room with fellow community connectors reminds me why this work matters. I’ve valued the relationships I’ve built with ALP members from across the country, learning what’s working in their communities, being honest about the challenges, and sharing ideas that lead to solutions.

Those connections continue to shape how I show up as a leader and reinforce that lasting impact is built through relationships. It helps me remember that I am not in this work alone. 

Henry Johnson, Jr, CCLP
Vice President, Programs & Operations
Leadership Akron, Ohio

As a program with just 1.5 employees, it can sometimes feel like I’m on an island with no one to bounce ideas off of. ALP helps bridge that disconnect, and both the annual National Conference and the Affinity Groups offer great resources and inspiration to me and my program.

Mike Zwiefelhofer
Executive Director
Leadership San Francisco, California