There is a Leader in All of Us
All people have the potential for leadership (Bennis and Nanus, 1985). It is a simple matter of developing a new understanding and appreciation for leadership. What does it mean to be a leader? "Leaders are people who think for themselves, communicate their thoughts and feelings, and help others understand and act on their own beliefs; they influence others in an ethical and socially responsible way.” (VanLinden and Fertman, 1998, p. 8) Alan Keith of Genentech said it best when he stated that, "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen."
Many leadership experts have also defined leadership in terms of group process, positive personality traits, interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships, compliance, influence, inspiration, persuasion, power relations, goal achievement, communication, and organizational abilities.
Researchers have made a valiant effort to clearly define leadership; however; a better understanding of youth leadership is what is needed to develop a strong curriculum and enable the young generation to grow into a community of well-rounded adults.
Adolescents differ in gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, learning styles, personality types, experience, and education but what they have in common is a desire to separate from parents, a need for self-exploration, an ability to learn leadership skills gradually, and an aptitude to be unpredictable.
Critical elements of youth leadership are youth/adult partnerships, the power to decide, accountability, responsibility, a willingness to serve, a broad context for learning, and recognition of a young person’s capability to influence positive growth and change (DesMaria, Yang, and Farzenhkia, 2000).
Few things are more important to human activity than leadership. Effective leadership separates the victims from the survivors. Building strong communities of leaders enables our nation to thrive and overcome strife.
School-based leadership projects as well as after school youth programs are an excellent way to support and encourage youth in our community. Self-esteem and health promotion initiatives are other effective strategies in decreasing the risk of unhealthy patterns and encouraging people of all ages to pay it forward. Creating healthy communities means empowering leaders.
At PILATES FOR ME we offer self-esteem and healthy living initiatives for children, youth and adults. In the summer we will be holding two TEEN FIT CAMPS from August 22nd to 26th OR August 26th to September 2nd from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Square One Mall Location. Students will learn basic physical and mental elements of fitness. In addition teens will learn about healthy eating, self-esteem, and how to live with more purpose and passion. For young children between the ages of 2 and 4 we will be running two WEE WIGGLERS CAMPS from August 22nd to 26th OR August 26th to September 2nd from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Square One Mall Location. Highly qualified trainers and Early Childhood Educators will lead children through rhythmic movement, educational play, and self-esteem building activities. Children will also receive a healthy snack.
To learn more about these programs or about other services we offer please feel free to contact PILATES FOR ME at (705) 254-8810 or contact@pilatesforme.ca or come to our FREE information sessions July 27th and August 10th 7:15 to 8:00 pm at Square One Mall. Discounts will be given to those that attend the FREE information sessions.
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