|
Youth Volunteer Skills Enhanced by Leadership Development Centers
By Jarrell Cunningham, Youth Content Committee
Friday, September 12, 2003 — Leadership Development Centers, also known as LDC, happen everywhere around the nation and are sponsored by local American Red Cross chapters. Some are held in the summer and some in the winter. Some have 20 campers and some have 200. Some have counselors of all ages and some only have counselors over 18. Undoubtedly, the one thing that all LDC’s have in common is they provide environment to enhance the campers’ leadership and communication skills, but most importantly, they are all tons of fun.
As a participant of two different LDC's, I can personally say they have immensely enhanced my leadership skills, communication skills and confidence. In my opinion, the best thing that LDC's offer is diversity among all of the attendees. I can honestly say that I have never had a negative experience at any LDC and, for that reason, I shall be a faithful participant at any occasion.
LDC is known to offer every type of experience possible. "I left LDC with a much higher confidence and more self-esteem,” said Mark Pavely, a delegate from the Cincinnati Area Chapter sponsored LDC in Cincinnati, Ohio. “DC has taught me how to stand up for myself and what I believe in.”
Many youth believe that LDC is important for the community and important for youth to attend.
"The reason I feel LDC is important for the youth is I think it is important for the youth to come together for a positive setting instead of a negative and as future leaders in America. It is important to lead the future generation into a positive atmosphere," said Justin Wilson, another participant of the Cincinnati Are Chapter LDC.
Justin Lam a delegate from the Southern California American Red Cross Leadership Development also expressed his feelings on the importance of LDC. "Now, more than ever, youth need to learn leadership skills in order to make themselves stronger and to improve their ability to improve communities.
Moreover, leadership builds a sense of strength and self-confidence that enables men and women to both take an initiative on their own in time of crisis as well as join together to form even stronger groups.”
In order for any LDC to survive, it needs delegates, counselors, and most importantly, a director. Jessica Minton, the Youth Specialist at the Cincinnati Area Chapter, directed their LDC. As a director, she knows everything there is to know about LDC. "I believe that LDC plays perfectly into the American Red Cross mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. In all facets, the American Red Cross works as a team to provide relief to all people. At LDC, we teach youth to be team players and we focus on diversity training through our scheduled activities and informal interaction. LDC participants know that if they ever need the American Red Cross, we'll be there.”
After receiving survey results given to a hundred LDC delegates, I have concluded that the leadership skills that these delegates improve most are being supportive of others, accepting diversity, communication, meeting new people, and strengthening confidence. Overall, I believe everyone should attend a community LDC to experience an atmosphere of fun, happiness, and leadership.
Correction: Mark Pavely was a delegate of the St. Louis Chapter, not the Cincinnati Area Chapter as previously noted.
|
