By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
July 26, 2001
Just because you weren't born a leader doesn't mean you can't become one, according to officials with the Leadership Lauderdale program. The program, designed to build leadership skills, has announced its 2002 class schedule today.
Brain Dabbs, coordinator of Leadership Lauderdale, said at a press conference that the program offers people a chance to give back to the community through enhanced leadership skills, honed with classes and hard work.
The new 30-member class begins in September with a two-night retreat. The class will then meet once a month until August 2002.
Leslie York, chairman of Leadership Lauderdale's Enlistment Committee, graduated from last year's program. York said the experience opened her eyes.
Students in the program are not only taught about community development issues, but also how to examine other social issues, identify problems and plan action to solve the dilemmas.
Dabbs said anyone working or living in Lauderdale County is eligible to apply for the program. People can make nominations by contacting the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation. Self-nominations are allowed. Program directors expect to receive about 200 nominations this year. The program is sponsored by the EMBDC, Meridian Community College and The Montgomery Institute.
York said the program teaches its students how to make a difference.
For more information, call the EMBDC at 693-1306.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3226, or e-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.