2009 Institute is underway!
CLI's 9th annual Institute is off to a great start with the CLI Alumni hosted Class of 2009 Mixer held at the San Fernando Cathedral Hall on the evening of Friday, June 12, 2009. Attended by community leaders, alumni, board of directors and supporters, the event provided the Class of 2009 the opportunity to learn about the previous cohorts' experience going through the program. After a savory dinner catered by the San Antonio Food Bank, Alumni and Class of 2009 broke out into two groups. The Class of 2009 shared their experiences and current work in the community and their inspiration for participating in the Institute. Most students expressed their own experiences of receiving guidance of a community leader in their past who has inspired them to give back to the community in their work. Meanwhile, CLI Alumni conducted a session discussing current issues in the community and planning upcoming Alumni network luncheons to strategize their advocacy.
Saturday morning marked the Institute's first class, Effective Leadership Styles, facilitated by Margaret Oser, United Way and Martha Castilla, Edgewood Family Network. The students identified their own leadership style using the Social Style assessment tool, broke out into groups according to each style and were asked to present a poem, skit or song describe their style. The Social Styles assessment provides individuals with the opportunity to reflect on and validate their particular leadership style. Ms. Oser guides the students on how to "flex" their style to the style of others in an effort to maximize the talents found within working groups.
Martha Castilla led the class on a session using Don Miguel Ruiz' 4Agreements. Emphasizing how living by these agreements provide a solid foundation in leadership in their communities, the agreements provide the students with a template to apply to their own personal development and that of their organizations' in building relationships and improving positive communication.
The students ended the day with setting up planning meetings to strategize with their three community project groups. Using ToP Group Facilitation Methods Action Planning Process, the group will experience how to collectively design a community project using a participative and inclusive approach.
Posted on: Jun 25, 2009 (5:31 pm)