Century House is offering free leadership training for seniors.
The program, called LEADS (Learning, Educating and Developing Seniors), is for seniors who have past volunteer experience but are looking for new ways to use their skills and experience.
The 10-week, 30-hour training sessions help seniors develop the skills and confidence needed to take on leadership roles in the community. Participants will develop personal leadership growth by finding out what kind of leader they are, organizers say.
"A leader can be anyone. Even when you're a follower, you're a leader," said Shelly Schnee, recreation programmer at Century House.
Topics such as social contract, leadership theory and communication skills are all covered during the course. At the end, the participants are given an opportunity to co-present a workshop at Century House.
Schnee explained that many graduates from the LEADS program have gone on to do great things for their communities and most return to take on volunteer roles with Century House or the Seniors Planning and Action Network, another program that is associated with Century House. Take Pat Dunnett for example. The past graduate of the LEADS program went on to take many leadership roles in her community. She continues working with Century House, speaking to motivate seniors and teaching them how to lead. Dunnett recently won the Senior of Distinction award for leadership at the annual ceremony held by Harmony Court senior's home.
When asked what it's like to see how the seniors progress throughout the workshop and seeing them transform into strong leaders Schnee replied, "It's great, I mean, working to empower people to feel good about themselves and then seeing them using that to give back to their community,... it's the best thing I do."
To set up an interview at 604-519-1061 or email [email protected]. Training starts in January and the course is free for those with a Century House membership. For more information go to tinyurl.com/leadsleadership.
