Just before Rasul Allah (SAW) passed away, he appointed 20-year old Usama bin Zayd to lead an army that included great sahabah like Abu Bakr Siddiq, Umar bin Khattab, and Saad ibn Waqqas (PBUT). What did Rasul Allah (SAW) see in this young man? What did he see in the people he chose as leaders? Would he have chosen you?

What makes a good leader? Can women be leaders in Islam? Can Muslims be leaders of non-Muslims? How can Muslim leaders stay true to their faith in today's world?

Participate in the MYC Leadership Development Program to learn the leadership traits that are valued in Islam. This year-long program consists of one- or two-weekend long mini-courses a month to fit into your busy schedule. It features inspirational Muslim speakers from across the country, interactive lectures, group exercises, and retreats for team-building activities.

During the program and throughout the year, you will be able to practice what you are learning with the continued support of a mentor. You will leave the course with a Personal Mastery Action Plan that will carry you beyond the MYC Leadership Development Program.

Practice your leadership skills and learn while you teach others in these six mini-courses:

• Kickoff Retreat: You will be provided with a big picture view of the leadership program (based on the methodology of the Prophet (SAW), a brief introduction to each of the mini-courses, and an overview of the course requirements. This retreat will be an opportunity to get to know your other course participants through team-building exercises and relaxed interaction. (Feb. 6 & 7)
• Application of Basic Islamic Tenets: This mini-course will involve a mixture of lectures by Muslim speakers from across the country and private group sessions with some of the speakers. The weekend seminar will be followed by a review of the basic tenets of Islam the following week. (Feb. 20, 21 & 27)
• Self-Development and Character Building: A weekend with our very own Sheikh Mohammed Faqih. Some of you might remember Sheikh Mohammed Faqih's inspirational, easy-going style that so appealed to the youth. These weekend sessions will focus on developing the important leadership values of integrity, compassion, and endurance. (Mar. 13 & 20)
• Leadership Skills: This interactive course focuses on the skills you will need as a leader: communication, time management, negotiation, strategizing, and presenting yourself. The bulk of this course will involve practice in these skills. (Apr. 17 & 24)
• Retreat: An optional retreat will be offered in summer. (June)
• Dawah Skills: In this mini-course, you will learn how to present your religion to Muslims and non-Muslims, an essential quality of a Muslim leader. As part of this course, you will learn and practice public speaking, attend a Dawah presentation, and practice answering questions posed by non-Muslims. (Sep. 25 & Oct. 1)
• Review and Certification: To obtain your certification, you will perform an approved leadership activity of your choice and submit a Personal Mastery Action Plan to set solid goals for yourself and ways to achieve them. (November)

Applications to be considered for the 2010 LDP program are due January 24th by 11:59 pm. Leadership Development Program Application Form