As a highschool senior, I have been able fortunate enough to serve as the Shelby County High School Marching Band Drum Major, member of the Student Government Association, Vice President of the Key Club, Head Stage manager of the Theatre Department, and principle chair of the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Leading outside of the school is also an important factor in my goal to serve others. The leadership skills that I have learned from Shelby County High School have also trascened in my ability to lead well as my church’s Youth Superintendent, a delegate of the Youth Leadership Development Program-Birmingham, an alum of the the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, Alabama Lions High School Leadership Forum, and four year attendee of …show more content…
I believe that to measure an individual's commitment to any cause can be directly linked to their active participation on the subject, not just their rhetoric. The popularly known epigram, actions speak louder than words, is true regarding civic engagement. From a historical standpoint, those who actively participated and civically engaged in causes that they felt to be important were more effective leaders within society. As a highschool senior and Vice President of the Key Club, this can be observed even on the smallest of levels. Service projects and community activities are an outlet for anyone to show their dedication and effort for continuous social improvement. As Americans fall into more advanced stages of social media, actual civic engagement is gradually being replaced by social media campaigns for a multitude of causes. While that may be effective to some degree, every project has to have a driving force behind it; when humanitarianism becomes the focus of societal causes, civic engagement will lead the way for a brighter future. And in that brighter future, the prioritization of civic engagement will become a societal norm--people will strive to make an actual difference and advocate for the causes they feel most important to …show more content…
The team that I was responsible for was composed of seven, eight, and nine year olds. While it was an overall humbling experience, I was exposed to a glimpse of reality that is all too true for young inner-city kids. So, there I am talking about how heroes step out on faith coming from the basis of Matthew 8:5-10, 13 when the conversation takes a momentary digression. The two kids in the corner are talking incessantly when I stop the lesson and ask what are they talking about; the more comical of the two inform me that “they are seeing whose daddy gets out of jail first.” I had absolutely no idea what to say. It seemed, for a moment, that all of my vocal reflexes were paralyzed. Being several years older than all of the kids in my group, I was able to quickly get the kids back on subject. It was in that moment where I realized that this is it--these are the statistics that you hear about regarding the inner-city youth, this is what single parents struggle with. . .right here in front of me. From this experience, I realized that the lesson was not the only story that featured heroes stepping out on faith, but these children around me were heroes too. And it was from that moment, I felt obligated to help those who are at odds with the statistics; I do not want any of those brilliant children to get derailed from the potential that they all have within them. Out of
Throughout the years of being a student at Council Rock, I have come to the realization of what a true leader is. A leader is not someone that just plans events, collects money, or shows up to meetings. Rather, this is someone that has a true connection with their peers, and has unmatched passion for what they do. With this, I can confidently say that since seventh grade, as a young adult, I have been shaped into an individual that fits these traits. Since that time, I have been involved in student government,
Leadership is an art that evolves over time. My experience has allowed me to obtain the key principles that make me a leader. Recently, I became President of Denver South High School Key Club. A self-funded group, that provide student with leadership and public service opportunities. It provides student with a lifetime experience and allows their leadership skills to grow. As the President, I coordinate and organize events that allow members to serve there community. With a very strong team, we are able to accomplish our duties as leaders.
My passion for leadership began in middle school, when I learned that I felt pride in taking on new challenges in leading organizations and activities. Throughout my middle school years, my leadership involvement began through being president of the National Junior Honor Society, becoming a finalist multiple times in various student congress debate competitions, and ultimately being awarded the
Experts commonly define civic engagement as individual and group actions that collectively address general issues of concern that are public in nature. Civic engagement takes many forms such volunteerism, community organizing, and involvement in public policy and political issues. Individuals and community residents can express civic engagement through a variety of activities including participating in neighborhood associations, communicating with elected officials, and volunteering for local nonprofits.
Heilman helps at two local Head Start programs, the kids there can sense something about him that makes them feel at ease talking to him. In result of Head Start being more for children that come from low-income families, some of the things that the kids tell Heilman makes him become unsure of what kind of response he should give the children. “Its tough sometimes, not knowing, really what to say to a child” (Heilman 187). Even though sometimes Heilman may not know how to respond to the children, he feels that is it still important to listen and be there to support them. The reader of the story must be able to imagine being in Heilman’s position, with some of the information the children tell
As one gets older, leadership becomes a huge part of who they are and how they carry themselves. Are they able to take on responsibilities, express their opinions and make decisions among their peers? Are they respectable and reliable and therefore able to inspire and support others? Are they outgoing, and positive? All essential for a leader. Throughout the past 4 years, I have taken on several leadership roles. I have become more involved in my church. I have taken on more responsibilities in 4-H and Kane County Ambassadors. I have participated in high school cheerleading, and competitive All-Star cheerleading. Participation in these organizations has allowed me to develop outstanding leadership skills.
As I have developed in my job, school, and as a person, I found that I enjoyed helping others and want to become a leader. This paper will further describe how my experiences and background have shaped the leader I am today.
What is the importance of civic engagement, and why is it important to our way of life? I belief that civic engagement is important in our form of government because it allows citizens to participate, and take a part in changing society. Amsler (2013) wrote, effective solutions emerge when citizens participate in decision-making...noting that local agencies seek public views, preferences, and recommendation to help build communities (N.p.). It is easy to complain and bicker about what is wrong with your community, but it is just as easy to become involved. Just recently I was listening to the President speak at the Democratic National Convention. One of the things that stuck out to me is when people booed when he mentioned the opposition,
In addition, civic engagement means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes (Ehrlich, 2000). A civic engagement on abuse can be implemented through the newspaper, media, conventions, seminars, and political or nonpolitical speeches throughout the social structure. Each approach to implementation civic responsibilities by an individual in power has advantages and disadvantages.
Bockern, S. V. & Brokenleg, M. (2003). The science of raising courageous kids. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 12 (1), 22-26.
Engaged citizens often lead the charge and provide the catalyst for new policies and improvements in public services. Collaborative structures involving engaged citizens may take many forms such as a formal network, a coalition, partnerships, or informal coordination services (Agranoff & McGuire, 2003a; Agranoff & McGuire, 2003b; Nalbandian, 2005). However, both expert knowledge, and the knowledge of the public are valuable in making policy decisions and achieving the goals of the collaborative structure. Effective civic engagement can be difficult to define and even harder to achieve. Challenges in the form of participation or inclusion, communication or sharing information, and legitimacy or authority can take shape in any form of collaboration involving engaged citizens.
To achieve civic engagement is undertaken in many diverse ways. These are determined by several factors, amongst them the purpose of the civic engagement, the people involved in it, the funds to be involved amongst others. The...
The recent decline in young people’s participation in political and civic activities has resulted in a revival within the field of civic education. Formal education institutions are not the only ones concerned about youth engagement, however. A number of community agencies and nonprofits are active at the local level throughout the country. They are working to engage young people through a variety of methods, few of which have been researched to determine their effectiveness. One such community e...
Besides academics, fine arts and sports in school, I have attained leading roles in different groups. This year, I am the Spirit Leader of Student Council encouraging monthly goals and themes and assisting in school events. From creating a student council with a group of peers three years ago we have had success in many events and have found new ways to spread spirit, gather important information and assist with financial groups. Recently, I stepped up to be the leader of the fundraising committee for our ...
Being a leader in almost any given situation has been an innate quality that I have possessed for as long as I can remember. I have always found myself nominating myself for leadership positions. My most recent and fulfilling leadership position was in my eleventh and twelfth grade school years when I held the position of Drum Major for Purnell Swett High School’s Marching Rams. Being in this position meant that I had to give up the spotlight of performance, turn my back to the crowd, and lead my fellow band members on and off of the field of competition, high school football games, and community parades. Over the course of these two years, I have learned many defining qualities about myself and have learned how to incorporate these newly learned and innate qualities into my everyday life.