Young people are empowered to make a positive change in their community through practical actions and projects. Throughout the Leadership for Life program there is a focus on the acquisition of these skills. The qualities of communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, and self-awareness are developed in a fun and encouraging environment. The method is ‘learning by doing’. During sessions young people are actively engaged in group activities, but time is also set aside for individual work and reflection.
This program is made possible with support from the Westchester Community Foundation.
Aim & Outcomes
The program enables young people to:
- Identify their strengths
- Develop a leadership vision
- Understand their leadership style
- Explore the challenges and difficulties of leadership
- Develop clear communication skills
- Explore local, national and global issues
- Apply methods of conflict resolution
- Practice problem solving and critical thinking skills as part of a group
- Identify goals and a vision for their future and develop action plans
- Complete a project
Leadership Program Content
The Leadership for Life program involves 3 modules, two facilitated modules and one self-directed module.
Module 1
Module one is an introduction to the concepts of leadership and the skills necessary to be a good leader. This module focuses on communication skills, self-awareness, values and team problem-solving. Participants are also encouraged to develop personal and leadership goals for themselves. They also develop a plan for how they will work towards achieving these goals.
Module 2
Module two builds on the learning from module one, with participants continuing to develop core leadership skills. Module two introduces planning tools using the logic model, advanced communication and personal development skills, conflict resolution, critical thinking and debating. There is also a team research project where participants work as part of a group to undertake a research project on a local, community, or global issue. Each group will research their chosen topic through a variety of methodologies. When they have gathered their research, they will deliver a group presentation on their findings.
Module 3
Module 3 is a self-directed module where participants engage in a Community Action Project of their choice. This is a practical project to be undertaken in a voluntary capacity for a minimum of 20 hours. It presents participants with an authentic opportunity to practice the leadership skills gained throughout Modules 1 and 2.
There are 3 elements to Module 3
- Completion of minimum 20 hours of a community action project
- Completion of a reflective learning journal
- Completion of a portfolio which documents the project undertaken
Leadership for Life Accreditation
On completion of all three modules of the Leadership for Life program young people are eligible to graduate with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action, which is awarded by the National College of Ireland, Galway. This is a unique opportunity to earn a university-level qualification while you are still in High School.
Please email socialworker@aislingcenter.org for more information.