This course is designed for new Executive Directors and Presidents of the YWCA. It incorporates the Mission of the YWCA as the philosophical basis which guides and defines the role and function of association leadership. This course defines the skills needed for leadership competencies and allows for the enhancement of these skills through experiential learning.

Other primary, influences on this course were from data gathered from:

• Associations that provided valuable information to the National Office regarding specific training requirements for Executives and Presidents through their evaluations and input into nationally held regional forums;
• Evaluations of past executive management and policy management courses held for Executive Directors and Presidents;
• interviews with YWCA Executive Directors and Presidents
• YWCA of the U.S.A. Constitution and Bylaws
• YWCA of the U.S.A. National Report Forms Kit
• YWCA of the U. A. "The Basic Documents of a Community YWCA"
• YWCA Standards of Excellence