LEADERSHIP "empowering youth to identify needs and to be active problem solvers"

Crew members are trained in asset based community development, poverty reduction, social-emotional learning and restorative justice. They use these principles to guide the corps programs through their Leadership Council as well as developing community projects to address barriers to self sufficiency.

The Corps is built and sustained by the crew members with the support of a team of community leaders, staff and supporting partners. The Leadership Council consists of the Field Manager (who was one of the pilot project participants), three crew leaders and a recently recruited crew member, all elected by the corps members. The Leadership Council is the decision making body, meeting each Friday to plan future projects, address issues and crew concerns, and evaluate progress. Crew members are supported with leadership training using the Habitudes curriculum from GrowingLeaders.com provided by Gulf Coast State College. Problem solving, trust, communication, and teamwork are hallmarks of the initiative with a highlight being a day training at the FSU Challenge Course. The course features a series of low elements as well as a 4 tower, 15 element high course. Restorative circles are crew facilitated to improve communication, solve differences, and support crew members.

Leadership Accomplishments:

  • Attend RESTORE Council meetings to present willingness to be active participants in Gulf restoration activities (6 crewmembers)

  • FSU Challenge Course (20 crewmembers and 3 staff)

  • Habitudes Leadership Training, Gulf Coast State College (15 crewmembers)

  • Community Emergency Response Team Certification and Disaster Deployment for Hurricane Matthew (9 crewmembers)

  • Attend School Board, City Commission and County Commission meetings to represent Corps and request support and project approvals.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software