In the late 1980's, Dr. Jeff Luke of the University of Oregon undertook a research project to find out why some communities were successful with difficult issues and problems.
He wanted to determine what the factors or characteristics were that allow difficult problems to be solved when more than one community or group had a stake in the problem and there was not a clear ownership of it or its solution. Jeff found that the primary factor for success was a certain type of leadership, which he called catalytic leadership.
Catalytic leadership is based on the leader engaging and motivating others to take on leadership roles, engaging everyone to work
towards a common vision.
Jeff decided that the skills of catalytic leadership were something that could be taught, so in 1989, he brought together a group of faculty from around the
country that could focus on these skills and a group of leaders from throughout Oregon to learn from them. Thus "The Pacific Program" was born. It was such a success that 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of the program.
The financial, social and political challenges that we in the Northwest face today underscore the need for catalytic leadership.
The solutions to these challenges will be found through vision, building
relationships across sectors, collaboration and passion. The Pacific Program is designed to build strong, catalytic leaders.
Luke Center Alumni are the core of our organization.
The Luke Center for Catalytic Leadership, Inc, was formed as a not-for-profit organization to carry on the annual production of the Pacific Program and other projects to strengthen catalytic leadership in communities and public organizations. Since its establishment in 1999, The Luke Center has produced training events and development opportunities for catalytic leaders throughout the United States. Alumni take what they learn and apply it back in the work place and in their communities, acting as strong leaders and catalysts for change. The Luke Center thrives because our alumni thrive.
Contact Information
Address: The Luke Center PO Box 630 Salem, OR 97308-0630 503-873-7153 info@thelukecenter.org
