What is Leadership River Falls Youth?

Mission: Leadership River Falls Youth is dedicated to providing a comprehensive learning experience that fosters personal growth and cultivates community leadership. Participants will develop skills, knowledge, and a deepened understanding of self and the contexts in which one lives and grows, through an exploration of community issues, personal values, and avenues of involvement.

Vision: To develop leadership qualities and opportunities for community engagement for 8th grade students within the city of River Falls via a collaborative and engaging non-traditional learning environment.

How will 8th grade students benefit from Leadership River Falls Youth?

• Leadership skills (an opportunity to lead with character – The Wildcat Way)
• Awareness of, and respect for, community needs
• Recognition and understanding of personal values and strengths
• Knowledge and understanding of civic and social issues
• Personal growth and consideration of future career pathway opportunities
• Communication and interpersonal skills (building relationships)
• Decision-making, team-building, and group facilitation skills

Program: Following a one-day retreat in August, participants meet for seven (7) full-day sessions (7:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.), September through May (no session in December or March). Each session will focus on key topics including: natural resources, community life and heritage, education, business and industry, health and human services, government, and closing with a graduation ceremony in May. During the course of the program, LRFY participants will complete a variety of community service projects designed to address community needs.

Goals and Objectives:
The goals of Leadership River Falls Youth:

• To acquaint young people with significant community processes, programs and problems;
• To teach young people about community involvement opportunities, special challenges, and demands;
• To improve understanding of various economic, social and political forces impacting the community;
• To support collaborative communities that maximize youth leadership and empowerment;
• To nurture a sense of stewardship and community responsibility;
• To develop communication and interpersonal skills;
• To model analytical and critical reflection;
• To develop skills that facilitate leadership, such as: active listening, public speaking; debate and compromise; decision-making; collaboration and group facilitation; self-assessment and reflection;
• To develop a sense of belonging in the school and community;
• To develop a network of future community talent for engagement and service on public and private commissions, agencies, organizations and associations;
• To instill sincere concern for, and commitment to help shape, a community sense of well-being.