FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Each year, the Fort Bragg School Support Services staff collaborates with a variety of agencies and individuals on and off the installation to host the Youth Leadership Conference.
The YLC is a two day event. The first day of the conference mirrors the Army Family Action Plan in that youth delegates discuss and debate issues of relevance to military connected youth.
Delegates follow a prescribed format of reviewing issues, discussing the potential impact, and determining if the issues warrant surfacing to the next level.
Students must arrive at a consensus of the top three issues that are then presented to the garrison commander and eventually the commanding general.
Prior to participating in the conference, students who have expressed an interest in serving as facilitators and recorders will receive detailed training to accomplish these duties. On the first day, these students are given the opportunity to utilize these skills as they oversee workgroups.
Adult oversight is provided to keep events flowing and to serve as subject matter experts, but the students actually lead the workgroups and guide their peers through the process of issue development. Throughout the conference, delegates are given a number of duties that enhance their leadership skills.
The second day of the conference consists of a series of leadership oriented workshops and is open to non-military connected students. The conference has no official theme, but the underlying objective of the conference has been to develop leadership skills, enhance public speaking skills, and instill a spirit of community.
Workshop facilitators are subject matter experts in their respective fields. Facilitators include representatives from Fayetteville State University, the Shelton Leadership Institute, military Family life consultants, educators and other community leaders.
This year, conference organizers are taking the “spirit of community “ to another level by giving participants the opportunity to volunteer for a community service project that sheds light on the issue of hunger in our region.
According to Feeding America, for the period 2007 to 2009, North Carolina was one of five states that exhibited statistically significantly higher household food insecurity rates. Food insecurity is defined as being at serious risk of being hungry to one’s detriment.
The community service project associated with the conference is entitled “Walk a Mile for Hunger.” Students will agree to walk laps in exchange for donations of non-perishable food items. The donated items will be contributed to the Second Harvest Food Bank of South Eastern North Carolina, whose primary service areas include Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson and Sampson counties.
After collecting the items, students will deliver them to the food bank and perform community service by sorting, labeling and stocking shelves.
Conference organizers are excited about extending the parameters of the annual event. Initial reactions from parents, students, and community partners have been extremely favorable. Many high schools require that their students perform volunteer hours. Performing community service is highly regarded in the college admissions process.
There is a significant correlation between leadership and volunteerism. Youth will gain skills that are necessary for successful leadership: commitment, organizing, collaborating, etc.
The Youth Leadership Conference and the “Walk a Mile for Hunger” community service project will be held at Albritton Jr High School on Fort Bragg. Conference dates are July 12 to 13; community service project is scheduled for July 18, with a rain date of July 20.
For more information, contact the School Support Services staff at 423-1008.
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