LeaderSpark - Igniting the power of Youth Leadership!

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Leader Spark

Igniting the power of YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Leaders Taking Flight:

Leadership for Change Awards & Fundraiser Pictures

Why Support LeaderSpark?

Support our Programs by

shopping at Kroger!

LeaderSpark is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 5086 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214 614-442-7899 Info_leaderspark.org Facilitators: Complete your background check here

About

"Strong leadership starts with being able to pull together a group of people - who may not have anything in common - and getting them to buy into a vision of themselves as a collective group who can achieve uncommon results"

ABOUT LEADERSPARK

About1

Leadership Architects

"The first day of a multi-cultural LeaderSpark program everyone is uncomfortable talking. Many of the young Somali women keep a hand or veil over their face as they talk. Seven weeks later these same young adults are standing in front of an audience presenting on their neghborhood projects, what they accomplished and what they learned. Several of the mothers are crying because they are so proud that their sons and daughters can now stand up and speak in front of a group." - Karen Dawson, Executive DirectorThis is one example of the powerful change LeaderSpark particiapnts often experience. They gain self-confidence through a greater awareness of their own strengths; they practice team-building and facilitating groups, and they apply their new knowledge and skills in service projects.

Mayor Coleman & LeaderSpark Teen Committee members

at Neighborhood Best Practice Conference

The LeaderSpark model >

About2

The LeaderSpark Model

Awareness both of self and of others, is built into all aspects of the curriculum. Participants are encouraged to become more aware of their personal leadership behaviors and the behaviors of others.Practice is reflected in the structure of the topic sessions. Participants are actively engaged in large and small group interactions, discussing issues relevant to them, their organizations and their projects. They learn how to play leadership through doing. Application is the overall goal of the LeaderSpark training. The awareness, knowledge, skills and practiced behaviors of group leadership can be applied immediately. The curriculum deals with real problems and helps with practical solutions.
LeaderSpark's mission is to ignite the power of youth leadership by providing practical leadership skills through a proven curriculum, training, and coaching support.We believe that all young people can be leaders. LeaderSpark offers a proven curriculum based on "Awareness, Practice and Application" as the three methods to develop and support emerging leaders today and to strengthen groups and communities tomorrow.

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Kroger

Support our programs and your community every time you make a purchase at Kroger! Just register your Kroger Plus card online.

Once you've registered, a percentage of each of your shopping trips will be contributed to LeaderSpark every time your card is scanned.

1. Go to Kroger.com

2. Sign-In to your online account

3. Select "My Account" and then "Community Rewards"

4. Select "Edit" and add LeaderSpark's NPO #83777

5. Support LeaderSpark programs just by shopping at Kroger!

Download the PDF for more detailed instructions.

KCR Registration Guide.pdf

Our History No Frame

Our History

1987
1988
1999
2004
2006
2009
2010
2011

1987

LeaderSpark launches in 1987, as The L.E.A.D.E.R. Program (Leaders Exploring and Developing Excellent Resources), when volunteers from the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus and the Franklin County Educational Council join together to bring leadership development to female students through a curriculum-based program. Karen Dawson initiates the partnership.

A female adolescent leadership curriculum is piloted with 10 high school students from Columbus and suburban high schools.

1988

The first L.E.A.D.E.R. Institute is held with one female student from each of the public high schools in Franklin County (approximately 30 students).

1999

Between 1988-1999, The L.E.A.D.E.R. Institute is held twice a year, in the Fall and in the Winter, and serves over 700 female high school juniors and sophomores from public high schools in Franklin County. It is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus and the Franklin County Educational Council.

In addition, LI becomes incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization known as The LEADER Institute, Inc, and expands to include male students. A formal curriculum is developed and marketed to groups and organizations that want to offer the leadership skills curriculum to high school and college aged youth.

2004

LEADER Institute changes its name to LeaderSpark, Inc. to better represent the focus of the organization - Ignite the power of youth leadership.

In addition to serving the Franklin County community, LeaderSpark partners with organizations in northeast Ohio, Newark, Zanesville, Chicago, New York City, and elsewhere in New York State to offer its curriculum.

2006

With support from United Way, the first LeaderSpark inter-generational neighborhood program is offered at South Side Settlement House. The curriculum is extended to 24 hours, with a greater emphasis on hands-on application.

2009

LeaderSpark becomes a United Way Agency and joins the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO).

Columbus City Schools endorses the curriculum and LeaderSpark partnerships with the schools is expanded.

2010

Inter-Generational LeaderSpark programs are expanded in South Columbus, Franklinton and Weinland Park. This is supported by grants from United Way of Central Ohio, JP Morgan Chase and The Columbus Foundation.

Multi-cultural programs are also expanded to include partnerships with the Ethiopian Social Service Agency (Ethiopian, Somali and other Pan-African populations) and Kaleidoscope Youth Center.

2011

LeaderSpark continues to build coalitions with schools, communities and organizations to support and empower emerging leaders.

In March, LeaderSpark announced a new partnership with Starbucks to train youth and adults in leadership skills and promote neighborhood, community and global engagement through project-driven activities.

LeaderSpark is also taking a larger role in anti-bullying programs with its Speak Up! initiative. Click Here to learn more.

Community Impact No Frame

Community Impact

2010 Accomplishments
2011 Goals

2010 Accomplishments

2010 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

LeaderSpark helped over 400 young people develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to assume greater leadership responsibilities in school and community organizations; enhance their employability; and implement service projects.

Over 150 adults were trained by LeaderSpark to model effective group process behaviors and develop mentoring relationships with youth.

LeaderSpark worked with multi-cultural groups and high-need populations, which include Ethiopian, Somali and other Pan-African immigrant groups and youth with limited family resources in high-need Columbus neighborhoods.

LeaderSpark built new partnerships through collaboration with business, civic organizations, and schools. Four neighborhood partnerships in the greater Columbus area offering the LeaderSpark curriculum and training were initiated or strengthened.

2011 Goals

2011 GOALS

Continue building partnerships within the greater Columbus area to ensure that youth aged 14-24 have access to LeaderSpark skills training that will be important for academic and employment success, and civic engagement.

Target urban low-income populations in providing project-based inter-generational skills training, valued by the business community and civic leaders.

Continue working with multi-cultural groups.

Build an anti-bullying initiative that is teen-led with a strong youth voice. LeaderSpark high school youth will make presentations to 5th-8th graders, parents/caregivers, and neighborhood groups to increase safety awareness and education on bullying and ways to stop it.

Develop sustainable funding mechanisms that expand LeaderSparks ability to provide training and facilitation services to other organizations .

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Staff and Board No Frame

Staff & Board of Directors

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Leader Spark !

Igniting the power of YOUTH LEADERSHIP

KarenBio

Karen Dawson is the Founder and Executive Director of LeaderSpark. Karen holds a PhD. from Washington University (St. Louis), where she taught political science and ran a public policy internship program. She has served as a project consultant at the U.S. Department of Education, working on a national education project.Before she established LeaderSpark (formally LEADER Institute), Karen and her husband Dick moved to Columbus with their three children and formed R/K Dawson & Associates Consultants. In her consulting work, Karen successfully wrote a number of federal and state proposals to support high-risk youth programs and community partnerships. She has published and presented at workshops and conferences on inter-agency collaboration, program evaluation, alcohol/tobacco/drug prevention, violence prevention, safe schools, citizen education, and youth leadership. Karen has promoted youth leadership in the Columbus area since 1987. She has committed her adult life to helping young people (and adults) learn the leadership skills necessary to bring positive changes to their schools, to their neighborhoods and to society at-large.

KerryBio Kerry has been part of the LeaderSpark team since 2007. She works primarily behind the scenes, taking care of the marketing, newsletter, finances and grant administration. She also helps with grant writing and program data management.Kerry comes from a sales and marketing background. She was the District Marketing Assistant and Regional Sales Trainer for Verizon Wireless and a Corporate Account Manager with SBC paging and American messaging. She has certificates in Professional Selling Skills and Professional Selling Skills Facilitation, How to Train Adults and Designing Computer Based Training.She lives in Worthington and enjoys kayaking, gardening, painting and spending time with her 5 daughters.
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JanetBio

Janet George, LeaderSpark Project Coordinator/Master Trainer, provides support and coordination for LeaderSpark programs and anti-bullying initiative. Janet has served as literacy training specialist on the National Program Design and Evaluation Team for City Year. Prior to joining City Year as Service Director in 1999 Janet led the AmeriCorps literacy programs in the College of Education at The Ohio State University. She has nearly 20 years experience as an instructor and trainer with 16 years of those years being in the National and Community Service and AmeriCorps arena.Passionate about education and youth leadership, Janet is committed to advocating for youth. Her community involvement includes serving as a community representative on Columbus City Schools' Curriculum Quality Control Committee, volunteering at the Neighborhood Pride Center North, and membership on the Malaika Mentoring Program Advisory Committee, Franklin County Children Services. She has been a Malaika mentor to her "little sister" Deyonna, 14, for over 5 years.In addition to being a dynamic trainer and facilitator, Janet's experience also includes program development and implementation, volunteer coordination, service-learning and leadership development for youth and adults.Originally from Michigan, Janet has been a long time Ohio resident and considers Columbus home. She currently resides in the northwest area of the city.

Board

Board of Directors

Jean Arthur, Cam Taylor RealtorsSuzanne C. Burkholder, Celia D, Crossley & Associates, Ltd.Shawn M. Carroll, CPA, Crown Services, Inc. Karen S. Dawson, Executive Director, LeaderSpark, Inc.Matthew Goldstein, Besa Community, Inc.Demia Kandi, Significance, Chief ConsultantAnna Lin, Fundraising and Communications ConsultantAmber Miller, Crowe Horwath LLPChristopher Montgomery, Grange Insurance, CFA, CPABecky Parker, Ph.D., Vice President, JPMorgan Chase BankBrandon Pugh, MBA, CPA, Deutsche Post DHL / Exel Inc.Jeff Redfield, Grange Insurance Audubon Center, Director of DevelopmentKay Shabazz, TechColumbusJayne Speicher, President, PRADCO, Management PsychologistJacquelyn B. Wright, NationwideSheila Zwelling, Lextant Corporation

Committee

Standing Committees

Executive CommitteeFinance CommitteeCommunications CommitteeDevelopment CommitteeProgram CommitteeExecutive/Governance CommitteeResponsible for overall oversight, management and decision-making for the leadership of the Board and Organization:Coordinate hiring of senior managementAnnual performance reviews of the Executive Director and oversight that all employee evaluations are carried outDecisions about budget and expenditures between board meetings and other administrative needsContract negotiationsSpace allocation/commitment/managementCoordination of board meetings and retreatsBoard self-assessmentFinance CommitteeResponsible for the Financial Administration of the organization:Financial planningFinancial reportingBudget planningBudget managementOffice/space financial management issuesCommunications CommitteeResponsible for advice, oversight and policy recommendations regarding all active and inactive communication methods and areas within the organization, including but not restricted to:E-mail, phone and regular mail communicationsPublished materials (newsletters, articles)Web Site and social networkingMarketing materialsMarketing planCurriculumDevelopment CommitteeResponsible for resource development and fund-raising consistent with the LeaderSpark mission and vision:Assessment and development of resources (e.g., volunteers, equipment, space, etc.)Lead boards participation in fundraisingWork with staff to develop fundraising planDevelop fundraising policies, plans, procedures and schedules for boardTeach board members fundraising skills and techniquesEnsure the case statement is strong and fundraising is based on the organizations missionLead the board and staff effort in identifying, cultivating, and approaching major donorsProgram CommitteeResponsible for advice, program, and policy recommendations consistent with the integrity of the programs mission and vision, included but not limited to:Alignment of development efforts with core and strategic components of the programExplore, develop, and maintain productive accreditation and/or certificationsMonitor trends and issues in the target environments and populationsWorking with staff, conduct SWOT analyses of the program to assess needs, leverage opportunities, and evaluate effectiveness

Click below for more information on our staff and board of directors.

Karen Dawson,Executive Director

Kerry Brooks,Director of Marketing & Finance

Janet George,Project Coordinator/Master Trainer

Board of Directors

Standing Committees

Partners and Supporters No Frame

Partners and Supporters

LeaderSpark Partners

LeaderSpark Supporters

Asian American Community Services (AACS)Boys and Girls ClubCATCO/Phoenix TheatreCentral Community HouseColumbus City SchoolsDodge Rec. CenterDowd Education CenterEthiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)Fort Hayes High SchoolFranklinton Area CommissionFranklinton Branch LibraryGladden Community HouseGodman GuildHuman Services ChamberKaleidoscope Youth CenterSouth High SchoolSouthside Area CommissionSouthside Settlement HouseStrategies Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE)United Way of Central OhioUnited Way Professional Advisory CouncilWeinland Park Civic Association
Heartfelt thanks are extended to the following people and organizations for their generous support!President's Circle ($25,000+)The Columbus FoundationUnited Way of Central OhioAmbassadors ($10,000+)Starbucks: Shared Planet FundCaptains ($1,000+)Bonnie FoxCrowe-Horwath FoundationGrange InsuranceKegler Brown Hill & RitterPartners ($100+)Bryan YurisCelia D Crossley & AssociatesCrown Services, Inc.Diana WesthoffJudy HoustonKirk CuppMichael SmelzerMyrna Yashonopuc.usPRADCOSarah BradleyScott ArthurSS&G Financial ServicesW Shawna Gibbs

Board Info

About
Our History
Community Impact
Staff and Board
Partners and Supporters

Program

The Program

LeaderSpark is a curriculum designed to enhance the leadership skills of youth through high quality, interactive skill building workshops to produce strong emerging leaders. It utilizes a proven leadership curriculum, practical topics, youth-driven discussions, and hands-on interactive activities.

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Key Key Components24 hours of core interactive leadership training Unique and practical curriculum based on awareness, practice, and application of leadership skills.A network of youth leaders and supportive adultsA focus on five leadership areas: * Qualities and Styles of Leadership * Working with Groups * Planning Projects * Dealing with Conflict * Presenting Yourself * Public Speaking and Interviewing

Topics >

Topics Topics Covered Qualities and Styles of Leadership Working with Groups Planning Projects Dealing with Conflicts Presenting Yourself Recognition

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Program Benefits No Frame

Program Benefits

Benefits for Youth ParticipantsDevelops group leadership skillsPromotes self-confidence and positive attitudesCreates opportunities to work effectively with diverse groupsBuilds a network of student leadersProvides adult mentors and role modelsFosters opportunities for community service and leadership opportunitiesPositions youth for future job skills and educational successBenefits for BusinessesFacilitates volunteerism and community involvementSupports youth leadership developmentProjects a positive corporate image in the communityAttracts employees to business organizationStrengthens employees' leadership skillsBenefits for Civic Groups/SchoolsDevelops young people as community resourcesProvides partnership opportunities with corporate/civic communityAttracts volunteers to organizationProvides easy to use curriculumEnhances groups in schools/community

Testimonials

Testimonials No Frame

Testimonials

What do the students gain?Support and encouragement from other school leaders.Greater understanding of their own leadership styles.Ideas, approaches, and options regarding leadership.Strategies for effective group leadership.Practical skills they can use immediately in school and community organizations.Personal goal-setting techniques.

What does the community gain?Increased youth leadership skills.Breaking down of stereotypes among school districts.Self-confidence for women and minorities to take on greater leadership responsibilities.A vehicle to disseminate information through schools and neighborhood groups.

Youth

Testimonials: Youth Participant

Ruby Hall, LeaderSpark alumni, was honored at a concert given by the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Byron Stripling, the artistic director for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and his wife, Alexis, organized the concert for the Columbus community. The concert honored 3 local "unsung" heroes who contributed to the wellbeing of their neighborhoods and communities. Ruby Hall was chosen to be honored.Ruby, a student at Ft Hayes High School has participated in LeaderSpark twice. The second time she became a topic leader, which is a more formal leadership role for returning LeaderSpark youth. As a topic leader, Ruby made testimonial presentations, led energizers and served as a small group facilitator.Ruby says that attending LeaderSpark helped her regain the self-confidence she lost after the death of her mother from cancer several years ago. "I learned skills that really improved what I do, even in my classes. I speak out more in class and help other students. I enhanced my interviewing skills, and now have the ability and comfort level to speak in front of groups." In school and extra-curricula groups, Ruby says, "I stop and really listen to what others in my group are saying. LeaderSpark helped me work with a wide variety of people and to understand where they are coming from. I now have the skills to really learn from my experiences."

Ruby Hall LeaderSpark participant, Future leader

Facilitators

Testimonials: Facilitators

"The concepts that participants learn and develop at LeaderSpark are the same concepts needed to be successful in any capacity. I think the biggest benefit of LeaderSpark is empowering youth through commitment and application. Every participant has a responsibility to actively contribute to projects that help to improve the community. LeaderSpark offers a forum to help individuals feel like they truly can make a difference. They are then able to use those same concepts personally, professionally, and within a community perspective forever more, which is great for everyone."- Marshall Siegel, HR Development Manager, Sprint"I fell in love with the curriculum right away. Its really awesome. I first worked as a small group facilitator during a LeaderSpark session for Southside Settlement. Now I have done about nine or ten sessions as a lead facilitator. I have had LeaderSpark participants tell me they wouldn't volunteer to do things at school before and now they're raising their hands and volunteering. The key is that what they are learning they can use right away. Its not something that they have to wait until later in life to use. They can apply it immediately, at school, at work, and at home."- Kimeta Dover, Mentoring Center of Central Ohio. "As a high school guidance counselor, I am always searching for tools to help my non-engaged students to become excited about the possibilities for their future. LeaderSpark is such a tool. For the young people who participate in the program, it sharpens their problem-solving skills, helps them to learn to work in small groups and allows them to 'spread their wings' and try something they haven't tried before. It also gives them weekly practice on being heard as an individual who is respected. As a result of participating in LeaderSpark, I have seen several students become highly organized and improve their grades. Other students have honed their academic and public speaking skills." - Linda Parzero, Ft. Hayes High School Counselor, Columbus City Schools

Linda Parzero Ft. Hayes Counselor, LeaderSpark Facilitator

Parents

Testimonials: Parents

"Thank you for creating and supporting the Teen Leadership program. My son had a rough time last year, academically and personally. He was so excited about getting a Big Brother and looking forward to that interaction but that fell through. Vorley Taylor invited him to participate in some events. But the real life-impact was the Leadership program that Vorley coordinated. (As an educator, I appreciated the organized content and flow of the material that was being presented.) My son, who was resisting participation in so many things, set this program as a priority in his life. He completed all the components of the program and graduated from the course. But how do you concretely measure the worth of an abstract like 'leadership'?The first 'concrete' came when he decided to run for office at the Joint Vocational School chapter of Business Professionals of America. This meant organizing a full-fledged campaign: slogans, posters and the dreaded formal campaign speech. Before the Leadership program this would not have been an option. He firmly believed that he could not give speeches and consequently he choked up any time a speech was required. After the Leadership program? He was confident that this was not only within his capability, but that he could do it well. When we went to JVS's Open House, many staff members and students commented on the "awesome job" that he did on his speech. This validated his confidence and performance.The next 'concrete' is even more impressive to this mother: after he was elected, he self-adjusted his conduct and work habits. When asked what made the difference in his choices, he said that he realized that he was reflecting on the reputation of his area and "leaders should step up to do the best, not just the required". Not only did he try to monitor his own behavior, he encouraged his peers to "get with the program". These changes were duly noted by the teachers. So once again, kudos to Vorley and the Leadership program for making such an impact on our future leaders' lives."
Additional Parent Testimonials"Sending our daughter through the LeaderSpark program was absolutely one of the best decisions we have ever made as parents. I was very skeptical at first and she wasnt sure that she wanted to go, but it was well worth it. It was amazing the amount of growth that she went through in such a short time. And she is still growing. The program is over but she has not stopped benefiting from it.""As a parent, I want what is best for our daughter. There are many programs that we could have chosen for her to become involved in, but sending her through the LeaderSpark program was absolutely one of the best decisions we have ever made as parents.""It was amazing the amount of growth that she went through in such a short time. Each week she applied what she was learning to issues that connected her to her peers and her community. She saw real results from her efforts and learned the impact that she, as an individual can have.""She completed the program but she has not stopped benefiting from it. Because she has Attention Deficient Disorder, she used to be focused on her limitations and what she couldnt do, but now she is focused on what she can do."

Partners

Testimonials: Partners & Supporters

"Many of these children (ages 14-17) whom we serve have never been exposed to this type of quality leadership training before. For some of them this program may be challenging. But usually several sessions into the program the participants begin to understand leadership and how it relates to them and how they can better impact situations through planning."- Vorley Taylor, Program Coordinator, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Newark, OH
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Coordination

LeaderSpark provides all of the materials and expertise for YOU to coordinate an effective LeaderSpark program. Whenever you have questions or need additional assistance, LeaderSpark is only a phone call or e-mail away.Coordinator GuidebookThe Coordinator Guidebook is a key resource and provides information on topics important for administering a LeaderSpark program. The materials in the guidebook are useful to the Program Coordinator in marketing, organizing, recruiting, evaluating, documenting and communicating about their LeaderSpark program.The Guidebook Timeline that follows lays out steps to implement successfully the LeaderSpark program. The Appendix Sections include examples of forms, letters, evaluation instruments, and master copies of materials that can be reproduced in quantity by local LeaderSpark programs.Administering the ProgramThe coordination of LeaderSpark requires:(1) Structure and Process, and(2) Communication, Communication, Communication!Program Structure: The Program CoordinatorCoordination is key to a well run LeaderSpark program. While the administrative function can be carried out by one or several people in various types of collaborative structures and processes, the most effective way to think about program administration is to have a Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator is the contact or point person for the program. While LeaderSpark provides facilitator training, this volunteer-driven program needs a knowledgeable professional to provide support and coordination of the volunteer facilitators.Other Administrative RolesLogistical program support can be provided through the sponsoring organizations, several volunteers, or through a paid part-time administrative assistant. (See volunteer roles in Appendix, Section A of the Coordinator Guidebook.)Organizational RolesWhile the Coordinator is the key role, there is a saying: "You alone can do it, but you can't do it alone." In addition to a Program Coordinator, LeaderSpark needs a program structure that allows the stakeholders (i.e., individuals who have a stake in the program) to participate in making policy and/or implementation decisions, and in attracting volunteers to support the program.Three key organizational ingredients in program implementation:Access to youth, who will be recruited as program participants. This may involve one or more school(s) or community group(s) that work directly with youth - or businesses or civic groups that have contacts with potential program participants. "Liaisons" in youth-serving organizations can distribute program information and help recruit LeaderSpark participants. (The Guidebook includes sample materials and forms for youth-serving organizations.)Access to facilitators, who will serve as volunteers (often along with paid staff) with the program, interacting with the youth participants and facilitating the curriculum at the program sessions. It is preferable to have adult facilitators who reflect the same diversity represented in the youth participants. In addition to serving as facilitators, other volunteer roles may include food coordinator, photographer, and "minutes-taker." (The Guidebook includes a description of volunteer positions.)Financial support for the program implementation, which includes in-kind donations. Funds and other support can come from the sponsoring organizations grants, fund-raising activities, and/or youth participants and their families.Civic organizations, youth-serving community groups, businesses, schools and educational organizations, and religious groups are examples of groups that may have access to youth, access to adult facilitators, and/or could provide financial support for the program. One or more of these groups can sponsor a LeaderSpark Program. The program is flexible and can be adapted to various group configurations and local community needs.Implementation ProcessesWhile a program structure is needed, effective processes also are important to implement the program and support volunteers. These organizational and program implementation activities include:Organizing a Steering or Program CommitteeDefining volunteer "jobs" or areas of responsibilitiesIdentifying and recruiting volunteers and in-kind donationsTraining facilitators and providing on-going communications for the programProviding logistical program supportSharing participant and other evaluation information with "stakeholders" (e.g., funders, volunteers)Making short and long-term program decisionsLeaderSpark provides the information, examples of materials, and facilitator training to make the implementation easy.Program CommunicationSuccessful collaborative programs need a great amount of communication. As a general rule, it is impossible for the Coordinator to communicate too much! Important forms of communications are included in the Guidebook. Key areas of communication include:Communications using the marketing materials that come with the LeaderSpark curriculum to convey the purpose and content of LeaderSpark; as well as the program's track-record and benefits for youth participants, facilitators, and sponsoring organizations. This marketing is important to get commitment from key constituencies such as: youth, parents, school principals or directors of youth organizations, businesses, funders, and other community leaders. The LeaderSpark packet of brochures, factsheets, video, overheads, and power point presentation provide hands-on, easy to use communication tools to support program development and implementation.Communications with program participants and parents/caregivers before, during and after the program. There is an average of seven different communications directed to youth participants and their parents/caregivers to recruit them before the program, keep them informed during the program, and to seek their continuing involvement as volunteers at the end of the program.Communications with the facilitators, contributors and the local media after the completion of LeaderSpark, to thank people/groups for their contributions, share evaluation information, and provide press releases.Communications with LeaderSpark "graduates" to share how alumni are applying their skills and training in community service projects, as youth representatives on community boards, or in leadership roles in schools or community organizations. Sponsoring organizations often publish stories about LeaderSpark participants and highlight youth alumni in corporate newsletters or in the local media.

Facilitation

FacilitationLeaderSpark provides all of the materials and expertise for YOU to facilitate an effective program.Facilitators, who are role models and mentors to the youth participants, are an important part of the program. The interest adult facilitators show in the program participants, the modeling of good facilitation skills, and the sharing of insights and strategies for effective group process, all make the program a success.Facilitator MaterialLeaderSpark provides extensive material via the Facilitator and Participant Action Guides. The materials are flexible and adaptable to various training styles of adult facilitators, and available blocks of time.

Getting Started

LeaderSpark provides all the advice and material necessary for you to run an effective LeaderSpark program. The 12 steps below are sequenced, but some steps will happen concurrently.12 Steps to GETTING STARTED:Organize a planning or steering committee to discuss setting up a LeaderSpark Affiliate Program. Be sure to include key "stakeholders."Define sponsorship roles including recruitment of youth participants, identification and coordination of adult facilitators, and financial/resource support.Use LeaderSpark marketing materials (including introductory video and brochure) and program resources on the LeaderSpark Web site to present LeaderSpark to various audiences (businesses, civic organizations, schools, community groups, youth/families).Develop a Memorandum of Agreement (written statement) of how the partner sponsoring organizations/groups will work together.Sign Affiliate Agreement with LeaderSpark which includes a fee schedule for materials and training support.As the key contact person(s), designate one or more program coordinator(s).Program Coordinator(s) work with the LeaderSpark staff and receive advice and assistance.Schedule LeaderSpark facilitator training ("Train the Trainer") for your coordinator and facilitators at your site.Utilize the Coordinator Guidebook for information and forms to help organize and manage your program.Utilize the Facilitator and Participant Action Guides for an outline and script for volunteers to facilitate LeaderSpark sessions.Remember your program will benefit from on-going consulting assistance from LeaderSpark through e-mail and telephone contact.Be sure to give recognition and shared credit to co-sponsors and volunteers.Please contact us as you get started. You might also find our "Frequently Asked Questions" on the website helpful. We look forward to working with you to use LeaderSpark in your community or organization!

FAQ

1. What is LeaderSpark?2. How is the LeaderSpark program different from other youth leadership training?3. How do participants benefit from LeaderSpark?4. How can I offer the LeaderSpark curriculum in my community?5. Does the program need a "paid" position or can it be run by volunteers?6. How can I get more information?

Press Room
No Frame

Receive our Newsletter - The SparkPlug

2011Oct: Award WinnersOct: Franklinton ABC BookJuly: Rosemary McKinney July: Call to Action Youth SummitJuly: Welcome Amber MillerJune: Introducing SamJune: Tips for a Successful MeetingMay: LeaderSpark and SAVEMay: CCH Program Starting April: Meet a Facilitator April: Starbucks Partnership April: Acting to SPEAK UP!April: Karen's CornerMar: Anti-Bully CampaignJan: Lunch with CATCO Jan: Welcome Janet! 2010Dec: LeaderSpark & Anti-BullyingNov: Starting a ProgramNov: Franklinton Success! Nov: Keneije Smalls Oct: Youth Voices Heard Jun: Best Practice Conference May: Weinland Park Wraps UpApril: League of Women VotersApril: Interview w/ Kimeta Dover20092009: LeaderSpark & ETSS
20112.18 - Karen's Corner2.10 - Welcome Janet! 1.15 - LeaderSpark Results1.10 -201012.10 -12.01 - 11.15 -10.05 -8.14 -8.10 -8.05 -7.06 -7.01 -4.16 - 4.10 -

Connect

There are many ways to connect with LeaderSpark.

As a youth or adult participant

As a facilitator or trainer

As a volunteer

As a Funder

As a Friend

Volunteer OpportunitiesGrant research assistance - Conduct research on potential funders and funding sources. Assist in putting together funding requests, including grant proposals. Research experience and/or grant writing experience helpful. Would be a member of LeaderSpark Development Committee.Fundraising assistance - Help with the planning and implementation of fundraising activities as a member of the LeaderSpark Development Committee.Event Planning and Implementation - Become a member of the LeaderSpark Annual Event Committee. This years annual event will be held at the Audubon Center on Thursday, October 20, 2011. Program Committee - Help compile and organize research supporting youth leadership development. Compile LeaderSpark evaluation results working with LeaderSpark Program Coordinator. Help develop success stories to use in training and evaluations. Interest and experience with research and evaluation helpful. Work with members of the LeaderSpark Program Committee. Online Fundraising/Marketing assistance - Develop profile and spearhead internet fundraising efforts on FaceBook, etc. Knowledge and interest in using social networking as a vehicle for fundraising. Work with members of the LeaderSpark Communication and Development Committee. Provide Technology Assistance to LeaderSpark - Review our firewall and anti-virus support; troubleshooting our computers and wireless network; software updates and make recommendations as needed. Technical computer expertise in database administration and/or server experience. Work with LeaderSpark Marketing and Finance Director and other staff.Office assistance - Filing, meeting preparation, compiling training packets preparation based on facilitator needs. Work at the LeaderSpark office.

LeaderSpark is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 5086 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214 614-442-7899 Info_leaderspark.org

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