Youth Leadership Taking Applications

Youth Leadership Erie County program enhanced by collaboration with Erie 1 BOCES. The program seeks applicants for the 2009-2010 program.

Youth Leadership Erie County, the only county-wide youth leadership program is recruiting for its 2010 class. The program offers sophomores and juniors from around the county the chance to build a network of other community-minded young people; directly address community issues and leaders; and become part of a much larger network of Leadership Buffalo alumni. The new 2010 program, been enhanced by a collaboration with Erie 1 BOCES, includes a weeklong summer leadership camp and a service learning project.

The Youth Leadership program begins in July with the weeklong Summer Challenge Camp experience. The camp provides a foundation for leadership skills, self-esteem, community building and empowerment. The program runs throughout the school year with monthly half day sessions to familiarize the youth leaders with our community and its leaders. Some topics include economic development, healthcare, community history and poverty. In addition to the day sessions, this year's students will take on a service learning project with adult advisors from Leadership Buffalo.

Sara Emhof who is a 1996 graduate of the program and the program coordinator states, "The program's main goal is to give our young people a voice in our community. These young leaders are given access to valuable tools, knowledge, and networks that can create positive change here in Western New York."

According to David Block, a junior at Bennett High School and 2009 graduate, "Youth leadership has given me the skills and qualities that I need to stand up and let my voice be heard on what I believe in. With that in mind, I now have the courage to use these skills to make change in my community.  We as youth are the future and shall be heard. " 

Applications can be found on the website at www.leadershipbuffalo.org or by calling the Leadership Buffalo office at 849-2626.

ABOUT LEADERSHIP BUFFALO:

Leadership Buffalo is an independent 501-c3 not - for - profit corporation whose mission is to unite existing and emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds in order to increase their knowledge of community issues, broaden their vision, and enhance their collective ability to lead.  The programs of Leadership Buffalo include Class Experience, Experience Buffalo, Rising Leaders, and Youth Leadership Erie County.