About focus

Change Starts with Leadership. Leadership Starts with FOCUS.

Mission: FOCUS St. Louis provides diverse leaders with the civic awareness and powerful connections needed to be collaborative changemakers who advance a thriving region for all.

Recognized as a national model for civic leadership development, our programs educate aspiring and established community and business leaders about the systems that challenge and support our region so they can become engaged and participate in its growth and success.

Our continuum of civic leadership programs are designed to meet participants where they are, from high school students to senior executives.

Our Programs

We build participants’ networks and their capacity to become engaged in their own communities and workplaces. Our impact goes far beyond each individual, reaching wherever our participants go on to make change, impacting the whole St. Louis region.

Join Us
As a neutral convener and facilitator, FOCUS brings together community members to deliberate on critical regional issues in a trusted, nonpartisan space. On our own and in partnership with numerous organizations, FOCUS hosts a variety of policy forums, community discussions and educational events throughout the year.
Upcoming Events

Recognized as a national model for civic leadership development, our programs educate aspiring and established community and business leaders about the systems that challenge and support our region so they can become engaged and participate in its growth and success.

Our continuum of civic leadership programs are designed to meet participants where they are, from high school students to senior executives.

Our Programs

Our FOCUS Values

Quality Leadership

Recognizing that experience is the best teacher, FOCUS uses immersion training to help individuals gain the knowledge, skills and practice they need to become impactful civic leaders.

Civic Involvement

FOCUS understands that for St. Louis to thrive, it must have informed and engaged residents who champion community well-being and work to resolve issues of regional importance.

Community Collaboration

Through its partnerships, networks and civic engagement initiatives, FOCUS aligns leaders and organizations around effective solutions to complex community challenges.

Equity

FOCUS supports fair treatment, access and opportunity for all and partners with others to eliminate disparities that undermine the quality of life in the region.

Regional Perspective

FOCUS knows that the bi-state region is made up of mutually dependent communities, so it works across boundaries and jurisdictions to improve civic life and the general welfare.

FOCUS-trained leaders are...

...collaborative.
In our programs, participant learn how to work across geographic boundaries, sectors, and demographic divisions to advance positive change.
...critical thinkers.
Participants are challenged to look at issues from multiple angles, seek out new perspectives and voices and take meaningful action.
...connected.
Participants build diverse networks of peers and mentors – both within their own program and across the FOCUS alumni community.
...engaged.
While each person’s path is different, our participants graduate with a better understanding of St. Louis’ civic landscape and a greater sense of personal commitment and responsibility to the region.

Join Us!

Thousands of people each year connect with FOCUS through our leadership programs, civic engagement initiatives and active alumni network. Get involved by becoming a FOCUS member, applying for one of our leadership programs, or participating in our events and opportunities throughout the year. Together, we are making St. Louis a better place to live, work and play.
Join Our Email List