Monday, September 21, 2009
Connect with Southern Indiana accepting applications for 2010 class
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Contact for more information:
Wendy Knipe Bredhold Media Relations Specialist, News & Information Services 812/461-5259 Participants have the opportunity to meet business and civic leaders from the region with similar concerns and interests and identify areas for collaborative problem-solving. Charmaine McDowell, director of the USI Center for Human Resource Development, said, "This program targets emerging leaders and those wanting to increase their community involvement and knowledge of the region. Participants sharpen critical thinking skills and become engaged citizens while working on projects that improve the quality of life in southern Indiana." Spencer County resident Samantha Ramsey of Koch Development Corporation/Holiday World & Splashin' Safari was a member of the 2009 Connect with Southern Indiana class. She said, "This program made me feel good about myself and gave me the courage to seek out additional leadership roles that I otherwise would have never thought I'd be qualified for." Jacob Williams, a Vanderburgh County resident also of the class of 2009, said, "I value the relationships I built with fellow Connect with Southern Indiana members and also became aware of my own strengths and weaknesses as a person, employee, and community representative." The 2010 Connect with Southern Indiana program will include 24 residents from Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. Those selected will participate in a total of 10 full-day sessions over a six month period and are required to develop a collaborative project that will be presented at the conclusion of the program in June 2010. Topics include community overviews, critical thinking, personality profiles, opportunity identification, project management, public skills, presentation planning, and government relations. All programs will be facilitated by USI faculty and staff and community leaders. Grant funding from the Lilly Endowment covers program expenses, including overnight accommodations, facilitation, meals, location rental fees, and materials. Participants provide their transportation to and from sessions and volunteer time to attend sessions and work on projects. Because the program is free and openings are limited, applicants must indicate their willingness and ability to participate in all sessions and out-of-class assignments. Candidates should have the desire to develop regional leadership skills and become active in the region, and must be residents, for at least one year, of Knox, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, Spencer, or Perry counties. An online application form is available at the USI Web site, www.usi.edu/extserv/outreach/connect.asp. Applications are due Friday, October 9, 2009. For more information, call McDowell at 812/465-1629. |
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