The network will carry out projects to enhance leadership in eastern Kentucky counties. In 1997-98, the collaboration began a youth leadership development program designed to provide teens and adults with training and to engage them in the civic life of their communities. The program is now in its fourth year. Through the program, young people serve on local public boards and are mentored by active board members. Youth participants attend a series of conferences at which they may share their experiences and attend sessions on such topics as communication, conflict resolution, public speaking, project planning and the role of a board member.
Mentors also receive training in their roles.
To provide these teens with leadership training and leadership opportunities. To promote practices and processes on public boards that are conducive to citizen involvement. To strengthen networking and collaboration among leadership programs and program graduates. The youth leadership program has operated in the eastern Kentucky counties of Breathitt, Cumberland, Estill, Jackson, Letcher, McCreary, Owsley and Rockcastle. To learn more about the concepts behind the East Kentucky Leadership Network, read a report on Civic Leadership for the Common Good .