About Leadership L.I.V.E
Pathways provides opportunities for children of all ability levels to learn to be leaders in their schools and communities. The children call their leadership program, Leadership L.I.V.E which stand for: L-Leadership, I-Include, V-Value, and E-Empower. Children that wish to become a part of Leadership L.I.V.E attend scheduled leadership meetings where they receive formal training in developing leadership abilities. Each year, these youth leaders select team projects that provide hands-on experience in advocating for social reform. The youth leaders do not receive community service hours or payment for their time. Leadership is about service which often goes unrecognized, rallies against major obstacles to achieve social change, and requires tremendous personal sacrifice. The young adults who come into this program, exhibit these qualities and a passion to serve others. Many of them have grown up with Pathways and have lived lives that are exemplary of the inclusion and the voice they are advocating for.
From their endeavors in 2010, the youth in Leadership L.I.V.E have learned that "Include ME!" is a universal language that does not just apply to children with disabilities, but to everyone. Their quest is to continue to make "Include ME!" a national campaign. They have created a special logo for 2012 to commemorate Pathways' 10th year anniversary called "10 Years-One Voice." The students have set aggressive goals for this year as follows for inclusion and to unite the voices of students toward positive change:
1) INCLUSION OF ALL YOUTH:
The youth leaders are aware of the ever growing problems of bullying, teen depression and suicide, and the intentional exclusion of children that occurs every day in their schools and communities. In today's world, exclusion has become more rampant and insidious with the advent of social media and the internet. The youth in Leadership L.I.V.E, who are teenagers themselves, know this all too well. As a result, they are working tirelessly to get people to unite at the grassroots level in order to reach their goal of making inclusion and acceptance of diversity a part the culture of every school and community in the United States. This group of youth leaders are working on the following:
a) Creating a 10th year anniversary celebration for Pathways in May 2012 that will put "Include ME!" in the forefront. The goal is to have 1,000 people in attendance.
b) Sending video tapes and invitations to celebrities giving them an opportunity to unite their voice with youth everywhere in order to make "Include ME!" a national campaign.
c) Designing peer to peer school assemblies that promote "Include ME!" and unite youth leadership toward having a voice for change in their schools and communities.
d) Promoting the participation of students in the initiation of inclusive programs and practices. For example, Montville High School students initiated inclusive football, soccer, and rock band programs. Plans are in the works for an inclusive weight lifting and a music entertainment show in spring 2012.
2) ONE VOICE:
These students are working to increase the voice of students and get them more actively involved in making changes they see as vital to youth in their communities and schools. Their goals are to achieve the following:
a) The youth leaders created a community advisory committee consisting of about 20 adult leaders they have chosen in their community and schools. This advisory committee will review programs, assemblies, and other ideas the students put forth. They will give input and collaboratively work with the students to help them achieve their objectives.
b) The students have developed a concept called, "Classroom Connections." The goal of this program is to explore ways to improve the communication and collaboration between students, teachers, and administrators. Students want a voice in their education and have a vested interest in helping their schools strive for excellence.
c) Student initiated "Leadership of the Year" awards that will give students the opportunity to recognize adult and students leaders in their schools and communities that have been examples of promoting inclusion, leadership, and/or genuine caring that has made a difference in the lives of youth.
d) Develop independent study curriculums in schools that will give credits to students for creating programs that promote youth leadership, work study opportunities, and make the inclusion of all students a priority.
We are excited about this year and the group of students who have decide to make leadership a priority in their lives! Please join their "Include ME!" facebook and view other ways you can get involved.
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