Leadership WC looking for applicants for class
By Special to The News-Argus
Published in News on July 20, 2008 1:25 PM
Leadership Wayne County is a program designed to assist current and emerging community leaders in their efforts to serve in leadership roles in local businesses, industries, non-profits, governmental affairs and the community.
The 2007-08 Leadership class of 18 participated in an opening retreat in September at Oak Island's Fort Caswell where the group participated in team-building exercises and learned about the Leadership Wayne program. Monthly program days from October through May gave the class an opportunity to visit and learn about various facets of Wayne County including the area's history, agricultural industries, law enforcement and government, educational systems, businesses and industries, community services agencies, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and arts and leisure. Class members attended three community board/commission meetings of their choosing during the class year to learn more about the role of local leaders.
Each Leadership Wayne class is required to undertake a community service project. The 2007-08 class decided to assist Wayne Uplift Resource Association with the repair and refurbishment of the domestic violence shelter that had been closed for more than a year.
The class developed a fundraiser and sold about 500 holiday luminaria kits to promote awareness about domestic violence and raise money for the repair and restoration work at the shelter. Class members then spent several weekends on-site making the facility a welcoming refuge for the women and children who would soon occupy the building.
The Leadership Wayne experience culminated with a graduation ceremony at the end of the year for all those who completed the program requirements. For the 2007-08 class, relationships will continue to strengthen as the group plans to continue meeting informally.
To learn more about the upcoming Wayne County Leadership program or to download an application, visit the Wayne County Chamber's Web site at www.waynecountychamber.com or call Janet Brock at 734-2241.