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DEL.ICIO.USLeadership program worth a few hectic Saturdays
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
She moved here for the same reason thousands of others do: Gwinnett schools.
Laura Nero has three children. Josiah Moore, the oldest at 14, enters high school this fall.
“I wanted him to be in a rigorous program,” said Nero, who moved from DeKalb County to Lawrenceville several months ago.
Nero was learning about her new community and looking for ways to get involved when she came across an ad for the Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute. The eight-month program was established by the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services in 1994.
She called Rachael Shaikun Holder, the institute’s program coordinator, to learn more, and eventually signed up for the class of 2006-07.
“It was a smooth application process, so that grasped my interest even more so,” said Nero, an information technology professional. “It seemed like a great program.”
The training, open to anyone older than 18, includes an orientation and weekend retreat. Then, seven classes are held once a month, on Saturdays. A variety of topics are covered, including education and criminal justice.
The heart of the program revolves around community service. Participants must design and implement a project.
Nero and classmates Gladys Harris, Travis Gatson and Charles Lucas launched Gwinnett YET (Youth Empowerment Team). It helps youth in the Meadowcreek school cluster to realize their potential, to stay focused, excel.
On Jan. 27, YET held its inaugural event at Meadowcreek High. It was night hoops, but the 9- to 17-year-old teens did more than dribble and shoot. Sessions focused on computer literacy, job training, life skills. A similar event will be held sometime this summer.
“We want to keep it rolling,” Nero told me, “but right now there’s lots of recreational and youth league programs going on. A lot of people have volunteered. It’s good to know people care about our kids, and want to see something positive come out of our youth.”
Nero praises the institute for the training she and 16 other students gained for projects that dealt with everything from diversity to recognition of senior citizens. She encourages others to apply, but forewarns: It’s not a commitment to take lightly.
“Those Saturdays pop up very quickly,” she said. “Initially, it doesn’t seem like a lot, but it requires dedication, especially when you’re working on a project. We scrambled a little at the end.”
They scrambled and succeeded. A March 18 graduation ceremony was held for the 17 students.
Now, applications are being accepted for the 2007-2008 class, which starts in August. Application deadline is July 15. There’s a $500 participation fee, which covers material costs, and some scholarships are available. You could get someone to sponsor you, too.
Sign up.
You may come away from the experience like Nero.
“For me, it was good,” she said. “The project gave us all an opportunity to give back.”
Learn more about the Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute at 770-995-3339. Online: www.gnli.org.
— Rick Badie’s column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact him at 770-263-3875.
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Comments
By landsaf
April 3, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
I would be beneficial to all metro atlanta counties to have some kind of program similar to this. Too bad GC is the only one to take the “lead”.
By GA Buckeye
April 3, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
I have to believe that most of the counties around Atlanta have the Leadership program that is discussed, by the YET program appears to be unique. THere’s good people out there doing good stuff, but it is too easy to publicize all of the negativity. Kudos to the individuals that remain committed to this program.
By MRT
April 3, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Sadly, this program was in another metro area county as well, but is now only available in Gwinnett. As an alumna, I can attest to great experience that this program provides. I have continued to be involved after graduation by mentoring a group coming up. It does require the Saturday commitments as well as your team meetings, but I would highly recommend it to anyone that really wants to connect with your community. Do not let the $500 fee deter you. Many employers in Gwinnett are aware of the program and may be willing to sponsor an employee. It would also be ideal training for those involved in various church ministries because of the community service component and your church may be willing to help with the cost. Whether you’re sponsored or not, this program is well worth its weight in gold!