This month's guest leader's message comes from the class-members of 2009.  The following is a sample of the class of 2008's survey to better communicate the value behind Leadership Worthington.

What Leadership Worthington did for me or meant to me...

What prompted me to sign up?

• I was looking to become more involved in my community.
• The desire to expand my horizons professionally.
• Interested and curious.  Looking for personal and professional growth.  Looking for the big picture and learning more about Worthington.
• I was looking to enhance my leadership skills while learning how to achieve inner balance.

What was my preconceived notion about the class and was it what I thought it would be?

• I got informed about LW from my colleague one week before it started.  I was only thinking about networking. Right now, I am more into learning content.  Fortunately, I have more opportunities to apply what I am learning.
• I expected lectures on leadership and reading assignments.  There was some of that, but the class was so much more.
• It was my perception that the program was a personal growth and professional development opportunity along with opportunities to grow my circle of business relationships and personal friendships.
• From what I heard from previous LW participants, I expected to learn a great deal about the city of Worthington.  My favorite parts of the class have been the tours of city facilities and interactions with city officials.
• I knew that I would meet many great people and make many wonderful connections.  So far this has been absolutely true.

What was the most memorable class or event?

• I really enjoyed hearing from the fire, police, etc about how the city operates.
• The rope activity on the first retreat.  I didn't realize how difficult it would be to solve problems while blindfolded.  It really gave you a feel for how difficult it can be to lead a group when one of the VAK pieces is missing.
• Small -group sessions with junior high and high school students showed off some of the district's best and brightest, as well as the level of interaction and connection between students and faculty.
• The presentations were open and passionate.  It was a great reminder for me to always bring my passion to work, family and friends.
• Don't have one yet.  Each session has provided some knowledge and insight into both myself and the community.
• My most memorable class so far was the retreat.  I have never been involved in any activities such as those, as an adult.
• Visiting and talking with the Kilbourne Middle School students.  The students we talked to were community oriented and excited about sharing and helping the community.
• I loved the "behind the scenes" look at the Fire and Police Departments.  How else do you get a ride up in a bucket truck?!
• Team building excerises at the opening retreat, as well as the information being provided about the city.
• Silent volleyball.  I never played it before and absolutely loved it.  You learn a lot about yourself and others when you have to communicate in alternate ways.
• Blindfold.  I realized that I easily get disengaged when the project is overwhelming, involving too many people, and seems to have have other leaders.  I still need to improve so that I do not depend on other people and play an active role in what I do.

Class Project Update

For the next few months we will provide you a special look at the class projects that have been developed by the Class of 2009.

Fido Fest

Event Description:

The class of 2009 Leadership Worthington is in the process of reinventing one of the most successful past events for the community of Worthington. The Pooch Parade was a crowd driven event of over 7,000 attendees and raised funds for area rescues. In addition to raising awareness and educating the community on the need for pet adoption.  The event no longer takes place in the Worthington area, due to complications with traffic and additional funds for closed roads.  Leadership Worthington (LW) will be hosting the event at the Worthington Square shopping center parking lot – this location will solve the traffic and closed roads issues and the shopping center has offered their support for the event. Fido Fest will be a festival for pets and pet owners, a venue that will raise funds for the area rescues, fun for all, while educating the public.

MISSION:

Focused areas-
1.  Consciousness for homeless pets
2.  Create  a pet and family fun event for the Worthington community
3.  Enlighten visitors on what the Worthington area has to offer
4.  Promote Leadership Worthington
5.  Sustainable events

Leadership Challenge Update