A new community service award and a mentorship program were unveiled at the Leadership Centre’s 10th anniversary celebration on Wednesday night.
The new initiatives reveal how the centre will expand its efforts to develop strong community leaders, said executive director Linda Wilson.
“It fulfils our mission of supporting our community, recognizing and celebrating leadership opportunities and leaders who are already giving in extraordinary ways,” she said.
The Pillar of the Community Award will recognize one individual who has made an exemplary contribution to the community.
Wilson said they will strive to honour an “unsung hero,” someone who does not typically receive recognition for their tireless efforts.
“It’s not for those out front and centre leading, but those who are more the quiet leaders.”
Nomination forms are available at the Leadership Centre office at Suite 108, 4818 50th Ave. Forms will also be available at www.theleadershipcentre.ca by June 1.
The Pillar of the Community Award will be presented at the centre’s annual general meeting on Sept. 22.
The Leadership Centre is also ready to launch a new executive director mentorship program this fall. The centre, Red Deer and District Foundation and the United Way of Central Alberta have partnered to offer the course.
The mentorship program is geared toward further developing the skills of executive directors of not-for-profit, human services agencies.
The program will be tailored for each participant but potential coaching themes include interpersonal skills, personal awareness, management skills, media and communication skills, policy development and strategic planning.
Ron Woodward, former president of Red Deer College, and John Vogelzang, past CEO of the David Thompson Health Region, will facilitate the program.
They will each coach four executive directors this fall.
There will be an information session to learn more about the mentorship program on June 1 at the Piper Creek Foundation Board Room at No. 310, 4719 48th Ave.
In the past 10 years, nine groups of individuals have contributed to 23 different community initiatives through their participation in the centre’s Leadership Networks program. The 24 students currently enrolled in the program are set to graduate in mid-June and will bring the Leadership Centre’s alumni total to just over 160.
ptrotter@www.reddeeradvocate.com