Perhaps the answer isn’t quite so binary.
Through the
National Civics Bee Vermont State Finals
, we learned the value in offering our youth opportunities to participate in ways they’d never thought possible.
Two weeks later,
our Housing Consortium demonstrated what we can accomplish when we stop saying, “someone should do that,” and start saying, “let’s do that.”
The lesson I take from each of these stories is that leaders are all around us, we just need to create spaces that empower them to rise to their full potential.
Enter
Leadership NEK, a program designed to assemble and prepare the leaders of tomorrow.
There is a sentiment that too often runs rampant through our rural communities that says, “leadership is for someone else, somewhere else.” The reality is that rising leaders are all around us, just waiting for someone to guide them through the right door and get them started on their journey. Through Leadership NEK we aim to draw out these rising leaders from local organizations and partner them with mentors from our community who can do just that.
Beginning September 25th, participants will gather once a month for 10 sessions designed to explore critical regional issues including economic development, education, housing, health care, local government, and more. Throughout the 10-month experience the cohort will develop their own set of community impact projects to take with them back into their workplaces or volunteer positions. Participants will leave with the skills, knowledge, network, and confidence to navigate the key institutions necessary to implement direct action in their communities.
Leadership is an enduring need, and one that requires constant revitalization and refreshment. Robust mentorship networks and platforms that encourage participation are key to sustaining this critical ecosystem.
Applications for Leadership NEK are now open for all those ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.
Apply today or encourage someone within your network to do so.
