Building Leaders for the Susquehanna Valley (B.L.S.V.)
is a program designed for youth who are beginning to show leadership potential and an interest in the community. Its goal is to acquaint students with community needs and resources, encourage their interest and participation as they develop leadership skills and have the opportunity to interact with community leaders in the Susquehanna Valley.
If young people do not develop the habit of helping to make their communities better while they are young, they are unlikely to become responsible citizens when they become adults. Building Leaders for the Susquehanna Valley will provide an opportunity for youth to develop and enhance their personal skills and leadership ability while voicing their concerns and learning to take a leadership role in the community. Through a series of workshops and interactive programs, participants will learn and practice leadership and communication skills while confronting issues that affect the quality of life in the Susquehanna Valley.
The main goal of Building Leaders for the Susquehanna Valley program is to prepare the participants for constructive leadership and responsible participation in their communities both now and as adults. During the program, participants will accomplish the following:
- Enhance personal skills, leadership ability, self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Practice decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Develop their own special gifts, talents and leadership potential.
- Develop an awareness of community needs, concerns and issues.
- Become acquainted with and interact with community leaders.
- Build positive relationships/networks with students from other schools.
As tomorrow's leaders, today's youth must become aware of community needs/concerns and the need for strong, positive leadership within each community's organizations and local government. By getting youth involved in their communities, by teaching them decision-making and problem-solving techniques, and by giving them the opportunity to practice using these skills, we are ensuring a nucleus of future community leaders with the skills to lead communities into positive solutions to local issues. This program is a commitment to develop a generation of young people prepared to be positive, productive and contributing members and leaders of their communities.
Building Leaders for the Susquehanna Valley is conducted by the Central PA Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with participating school districts. It is supported financially by registration fees and contributions from community organizations and businesses.