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President's Message
There are three things I try to do with the youth of my church as Director of Youth Programs at Worthington Presbyterian Church.
1. Help them climb.
2. Help them break out of their comfort zone.
3. Help them see beyond their current place in life.
These three things can also be applied to Leadership Worthington. In fact, the classes we offer do a great job at all these things. We, as leaders in our community, can use these ideas to take Leadership Worthington to a higher level. I endeavor to help us do just that. So how will you help LW climb? How will you help LW break out of our comfort zone? How will you help LW see beyond our current place in the community? I would love to hear your ideas. Until then keep serving others.
Peace.
Keenan Blanke
Guest Leader's Message
Each month, Leadership Worthington will provide you with a new Leadership perspective from a leader in our community.
This month's guest writers include Shahana Prakash and Julie Young; High School students in Worthington and members of the Student Advisory Board (SAB) of Leadership Worthington.
The Passing of Leadership from Generation to Generation
By: Shahana Prakash and Julie Young
Leaders come in all different shapes and sizes. Whether they lead confidently with words or quietly with actions, all leaders help make the world a better place. When people think of the word “leader,” they often associate the term with someone who has the potential or capability to lead. However, there is more to leaders than merely their definition. In order for someone to guide and lead others, they not only should have leadership skills but also personality traits such as trustworthiness, honesty, responsibility, and kindness. When someone possesses these qualities, others are more inclined to listen and obey them because they know that person does not mean them harm. Fortunately, our society has many leaders. Some leaders may be prominent figures such as the governor or the president. Other leaders may be people we know very well—neighbors, friends, or in two Student Advisory Board members’ cases—parents.
Sujatha, Shahana’s mother, has always been a leader, though she says she has only now begun to realize her outstanding qualities. Sujatha is mainly a leader because of her likable personality. Everyday, she looks for ways to help people, either by cheering them up, giving them gifts, or simply offering them a smile. She always says, “Complete three random acts of kindness everyday and you’ll make the world a better place.” In addition to Sujatha’s selflessness, she is also responsible. At home, she never forgets to do the laundry, make dinner, or pick her daughter up from tennis practice. She is the same way in her job as well. Whether it’s turning in data sheets, doing computer work, or going to meetings, she always gets the task done. Her responsibility has deemed her reliable, allowing coworkers to trust her and her boss to promote her. Just like Sujatha, Julie’s father, Jamie, show’s his leadership skills in the office. His job requires him to interact with others daily and motivate them to work together and get work done. The way that he works with others influences Julie because she sees how he acts with authority and confidence yet never loses his friendly, kind disposition. He shows responsibility in his diligence and dedication to his work—sometimes putting in a few hours on the weekend if it means helping one more person.
Since Shahana and Julie see their parents everyday, they have gained some leadership skills; however, the Student Advisory Board (SAB) of Leadership Worthington has helped them enhance these skills even more. The SAB is a student organization that oversees the Leadership Tomorrow program. Members of the SAB, like Shahana and Julie, have a chance to apply the leadership skills they learned in Leadership Tomorrow by speaking in front of new students of the program, helping organize certain leadership activities, and assisting new students with their projects. Every time the SAB meets, they learn a new way to lead and adapt to the leadership situations they encounter. Each SAB member has a different style, and when the members work together, they discover new perspectives and approaches that help them all grow. The community work involved also helps them become better leaders. SAB members get the chance to meet and lead many different people, and the mere experience allows them to grow exponentially in their leadership abilities. Those who have the potential to become a leader should complete Leadership Tomorrow and later join the SAB. The experience will help them become successful in the future, and they will be able to change the world for the better one step at a time.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Leadership Worthington is currently accepting sponsorships for the 2009-2010 program year. “Discovering Your Potential”, and what you offer our community, does not just happen in the classroom and there are many opportunities available for sponsorship within the Leadership Worthington.
Started in 1991 by community leaders, our mission is to enhance the understanding of leadership qualities and to develop individual and group leadership potential in order to create a better Worthington area community. Through sponsorships and class participation, we have graduated over 325 students who are leaders in our local businesses, non-profits, schools, neighborhoods and government agencies.
Leadership Worthington has given life to many community events such as Service Day, 4th of July Family Picnic, Spelling Bee, The Leadership Challenge and coming this Fall, the Fido Fest.
Sponsorships are available in many ways. Gold, Silver and Bronze level sponsorships are available, as well as many other opportunities. This is an excellent way to have your organization recognized as helping to contribute to our communities Leadership program.
To consider sponsorship, or to find out how to become more involved with sponsorship, please contact Natalie Moore, Fundraising Director, at 614-264-4154.
New Board Members Announced
New Board members tapped by Leadership Worthington to serve 2009-2012:
Class of 1993
Tim Gehring
Class of 2005
Kent Shimeall
Class of 2006
Andy Tilton
Class of 2008
Pam Sturiano
Class of 2009
Joe Davis, Amy Pollner
Active Community Leader
Patty Hohlbein
LW Alumns Highlights
Leadership Worthington's tag phrase is Discover Your Potential. Here's an update of those doing just that.
Gary Parsons, Class of 1991
Gary is currently the President of the Columbus Board of Realtors representing over 6200 Realtors over a 10 county area. The group is one of the largest trade associations in the State.
Dr. Ted Sun visit Africa
Dr. Ted Sun and his associate Julia Liu personally raised over $500 of donations in supplies and toys for the Osu Children’s Home in Ghana, Africa. During an doctorate residency with Dr. Sun led, a fun consequence for being late provided the basis of donation. As students learned how to create mental triggers to shift behaviors as leaders, the class ended with a significant donation to the Children’s home where many orphans lived. Dr. Ted Sun and Julia Liu extended their efforts to make the purchases in the crowded markets for needed supplies like soap, baby formula, toys and drinks. They personally delivered the supplies to the Osu Children’s home and shared much laughter with the children as they gave them something new and exciting. The children’s favorite toy was blowing bubbles.
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Adult Program Update
Recruitment! is in full swing.
Enrollment is now open for the 20th class of Leadership Worthington. This is your invitation for personal growth and professional development as a new class member. With a mere 90 hrs. of class time, you will explore your leadership style and develop a plan for meeting goals that align with your values and passions. Graduates become part of a wonderful network of community leaders who share the goal of making our community better. Once enrolled, you may choose one of 3 Class Tracks: Municipal, Business or International. Find the 2009-2010 application on the website www.leadershipworthington.org, or call 883-3057 to receive one through email.
Past graduates are connecting with community businesses and individuals, who are interested in sharing the goal of personal growth and professional development of the adult class. Dr. Tony Lordo, Andy Tilton, Daniel Nelson, Rose Byrd and Debra Harper. Please feel free to accept their invitation for a "yes I am interested, and tell me more" visit. Referrals are the best connections!
Tuition cost: $700. Past graduates of the adult program wishing to re--visit the 8 month program again, should call the Exec. Director @ 883-3057 for more enrollment information.
For more information about our Adult program please call Joan Bird at (614) 883-3057.
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Youth Program Update
LEADERSHIP WORTHINGTON’S 8TH GRADE SUMMER LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
Leadership Worthington will be offering a 2-day Leadership Training for students entering into the 8th grade in the fall of 2009. Students may register for the second session, August 14 & 15. The program offers leadership training, team building activities and a community service project. Applications and forms are available for download at www.leadershipworthington.org. For further information contact Val Knapp at 883-3057.
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Featured Event
1st Wednesday Gathering
When: 5:30 pm, August 5th
Where: PK O'Ryans, Worthington
Appetizers sponsored by our own 2001 class alumni- Prof. Linda Mercadante--Chair of Theology @ The Methodist Theological School and her husband Joseph Mas-Attorney at Law.
Come enjoy the August summer weather at PK O'Ryans 666 High Street in Worthington on Wed, Aug. 5th.
LW alumni and friends enjoyed the patio setting of La Chatelaine for the July 1st (1st Wed. Gathering) and we thank Brian Dwyer of Computer Site Columbus for his sponsorship.
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Upcoming Events
Community Dialogue: Dealing with the survival mentality of your employees: 5 ways to get more out of them with less work in the economic crisis
When: August 25th, 7-8:30pm
Where: Worthington Education Center, 200 E. Wilson Bridge Rd, Worthington
With today's current times, many people are attempting to secure their
current positions in fear of the worst. When reacting in fear, the lack of
risk taking limits productivity and innovation. Many people are also
polishing their resumes. The dialog will focus on how to engage employees in
the current economic hardships happening all around us. It will give
organizational leaders and managers some basic tools to engage employees and enhance loyalty and creativity.
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Leadership Moments
"Ah-has", tried and true tips to help individuals lead and guide with a new insight to administer, direct, share and comment.
I Think I Can...
You think you can deliver excellence? Well, that is a good start. But the crucial question is not whether you can. With your unique skills and experience, you are more than capable of delivering excellence in your interest areas. The crucial question is whether you want to. To teach superior performance, you need to want to do it. The commitment to excellence has to come from your heart, not your head. Thinking is a logical process based on facts and assessments, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to action. Wanting is the subjective and is the result of your personal choice. Many people might share the same capabilities to deliver excellence. But only those who choose to use them will deliver excellence.
Wanting is the willingness to do it because it is worthy of doing. It is a very personal choice; it is a personal commitment to promote a personally important cause.
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Leadership Opportunities
Great books to develop yourself
Real Leaders don't do Powerpoint: how to sell yourself and your ideas.
Christopher Witt 2009
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People--restoring the CHARACTER ETHIC.
Stephen Covey 1989
Talent is overrated: what really separates world-class performers from everybody else.
Geoff Colvin. 2008
Open Board Positions
The Board of North Community Counseling Centers are actively seeking several new Board members. The Board meets monthly (10 times a year with July/August off) and just about all Board members participate in one of its Committees which also generally meet monthly. In addition to learning about the mental health field, this would afford an opportunity to learn about the governance issues facing non-profit organizations. For more information contact Jim Farmer at 614-221-2838 /farmer@taftlaw.com.
Enroll in Leadership Worthington
Thursday Sept. 24th- the 20th class of Leadership Worthington will begin their leadership journey through May 2010. For information about enrolling in the class this year, call 883-3057 or check out the website at www.leadershipworthington.org, or email jbird@worthington.k12.oh.us
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Sponsors
Thank you to the following 2009 sponsors of Leadership Worthington.
Silver Sponsors:
Clark, Schaefer Hackett & Co.
Dr. Anthony Lordo
Tilton's Automotive Service
Bronze Sponsors:
Schoedinger Funeral Services
First Place Bank
All State Insurance - Kathi Reddy Agent
Bill Alsnauer State Farm Insurance
Visit www.leadershipworthington.org for more information about the benefits of being a supporting sponsor.
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Leadership Worthington Newsletter