Leadership Birmingham programs are designed by past graduates and experts to explore our community's critical issues in education, government, health care, human services, race relations, criminal justice, economic development, arts and entertainment, and quality of life. The program objective is to present to the participants a series of issue-oriented forums based on the belief that knowledge is a key element and prime motivator of leadership. They are further designed to elicit differing points of view regarding these issues.

The program year begins in September with a two-day retreat. This is followed by eight monthly meetings averaging 13 hours each, and featuring a variety of off-site sessions and speakers.

The year ends with another two-day retreat at which study groups, which have been active throughout the year, make reports to the larger group on recommendations that address a particular issue. To accomplish the objectives of the program, full participation from each individual is required. Participants who are unable to attend at least 80 percent of the meetings are asked to withdraw.