Believing in the potential of area citizens is the basis of the program Allen County Together.
“People underestimate their skills and where they can be used,” said Fred Heismeyer, a facilitator of the program.
Allen County Together is a five-month program designed to “grow leaders” in the county. The program will take 15 adult applicants from all walks of life, including those in retirement, stay-at-home moms, those in the work force and of all levels of responsibility.
“Age doesn’t matter,” Heismeyer said. “And it’s not just for those in business or industry. It’s for anyone who wants to grow their leadership potential.”
Participants will learn “the power of community engagement and collaboration” that will equip them to assume leadership roles across the county, he said.
Next year, a similar program designed for high school sophomores will be started.
Heismeyer will lead the sessions. He is a “global human performance coach,” who works primarily with industry leaders in helping them meet goals and enhance staff cooperation.
The five classes will take place across Allen County and include visits with county government officials, health officials, those in education and business and industry leaders.
The format of the sessions is a hybrid of techniques gleaned from the Kansas Leadership Center and a model used from the national Chamber of Commerce, Heismeyer said.
Its goals include:
* Educating participants about the many businesses and enterprises around the county;
* Equipping participants with lifelong leadership skills;
* Expanding the leadership base in Allen County, and
* Engaging participants in county activities.
A side benefit of the six-month process is the close bonds members typically build with each other, Heismeyer said.
TUITION for the class is $275, which covers lunches and needed materials. Some scholarships that can help reduce the fee are available.
The official deadline to apply for the program is Wednesday, but late applications will be considered, Heismeyer said. For more information about how to obtain an application contact Heismeyer at 620-380-6162 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Applicants can either nominate themselves to participate or can be nominated by their business or community organization.
The first meeting will be April 21, followed by all-day meetings on May 19, June 16, Sept. 15 and Oct. 20. In November, participants will attend the Kansas Leadership Center’s Summit convention.
