The African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) wants to stay connected with you! Enjoy interesting facts, educational information, highlights and upcoming events. Have a question or comment? Please contact us at info@aaylc-co.org.
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As influencers, leaders encourage and promote change in their lives but also the lives of others. They are visionaries and focus on turning their vision into reality. Change is promoted through motivation, not by force. |
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Executive Director's Corner
Often when we hear the term "leader," our minds instantly go to the hierarchical workplace or governmental structure that is all too familiar. When we look at leadership from that perspective, it is difficult to imagine how it plays out for youth. Whether students are leading a group or merely forming their own lives, we must look at all the leadership principles to teach our youth. Leaders are not simply those who are in charge. They are individuals who assume universal responsibility for the road they pave for others. They are respectful of others' opinions and comfortable disagreeing when necessary. Leaders are also creative and have a vision for a better future. They maintain a positive attitude and motivate those around them to adopt the same attitude. This month, we want to highlight some of our community partners and their thoughts on leadership. We hope you enjoy!
Sincerely,
Shantelle Nix
Executive Director
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12+ Black Leaders & Influencers for 2020 and Beyond
Let's look at some people who have changed history recently and some who are still changing history today. In this article, we’re going to recognize the accomplishments of black leaders in different areas in recent years.
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business.tutsplus.com
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March 2021 Student of the Month - Je'Nia Manning |
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Je’Nia has been nothing short of a treasured jewel at her school Odyssey Early College and Career Options in Colorado Springs. Holding an astonishing 4.1 GPA, Je’Nia is often called upon by the Dean of students to host incoming new students/parents, board members, and others. As the current President of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Club, Vice President of Future Farmers of America (FFA), and a member of the Business, Ethics, Speech, and Debate teams, Je’Nia takes pride in being a role model and leader. She has made an impact in her school district by being a part of multiple round tables that include how to improve District 11 high schools, social and emotional learning, and mentorship programs. After graduating in May 2021, she hopes to attend a university in Hawaii majoring in Marine Biology with a minor in Chinese. This future Marine Biologist recently won a scholarship from Underwater Connections which will pave the way for her obtaining certification in open water diving.
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Leadership Perspectives from Community Partners |
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Becoming a Leader
By Danielle Summerville, Community Diversity & Outreach Programs Manager, City of Colorado Springs
To say that the past year has been rife with challenges would be an understatement. A global pandemic forced us to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. We got used to being alone because it was too dangerous to spend time with loved ones and friends. We began creating new holiday traditions, as we reflected and longed for those of the past. During this time, a great deal of our attention rightfully turned to our leaders as we sought direction, understanding, and comfort. How does one become a leader and how do you know if you are one? Read More
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Leadership - What is It?
by Darleen Daniels, Director, Colorado Springs School District 11, Board of Education
Leadership. What is it? There are thousands of books on the subject. A recent Google search, New Oxford American Dictionary defines leadership as, a noun, the action of leading a group of people or an organization. Yet, is it really about defining leadership or discovering it? I believe it’s the discovery! Where does the “lead”, “ leader”, “leadership” truly derive from? I say, it’s from within oneself....you were born with it! Read More
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Love & Leadership
by Carlos Gonzalez, Jr., Director, Widefield School District 3, Board of Education; Colorado Association of School Boards, Board of Directors
I felt a great sense of honor when I was asked to write this article about leadership. Having served as a leader in some capacity for over 30 years, I felt confident I could write something meaningful about the subject. The problem with writing about leadership is that it’s such a broad and often philosophical topic. Read More
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Leadership is a Commitment
By Regina Guy-English, Vice President, Harrison School District 2, Board of Education; Founder/Director Be You-Be ; Founder/Director YES M.A.A.M
I believe as leaders we should have one common goal and that is to help build and develop other leaders. A leadership role is one that is respected, honored, and cherished. A leadership lesson that I would like to share is on commitment. Staying committed through the good and the bad is what will cause you to stand out as a true leader with heart, tenacity, drive and perseverance. Read More
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The Essence of Leadership
By James Mason, Secretary, Colorado Springs School District 11, Board of Education
Effective and inspiring Leadership…is equally important today as ever. Yet, the study of leadership continues to be a matter cloaked in elusive terms and magical phenomena, which few ultimately enjoy as benefactor or beneficiary. I submit that the practice of positive leadership is clear and feasible for all. Read More
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Youth Leaders, You Are the Change Agents for a Brighter Future!
By Dr. Theresa Newsom, Founder, Black Educator’s Network; CEO of Children with Promise Educational Services; Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher in D11 Colorado Springs Schools
Young Person, you were born to lead! It is a calling, a desire, a situation that calls one to act. Leadership develops through purpose, positive affirmations, negative statements, communal relationships, self-awareness, and transformation. As a young person you are called to lead whether it be for self, small groups, or the masses. By activating or empowering self your attributes of leadership: confidence, competence, purpose, moxie, and knowledge help you find your voice to advocate for personal spaces, community problems and/or global issues. Read More
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3/6/21 (Sat) - Annual African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC)
Our virtual sessions over the past six weeks have been a resounding success! Saturday, March 6, 2021 completes our 7th and final week of themed virtual workshops. If you missed our previous sessions, now is the time to join us for Week 7 - Leadership. To register a for our upcoming sessions, please click here. All questions can be directed to registration@aaylccos.org. We appreciate your continued support! |
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4/17/21 (Sat) - Wynn/Marchman Scholarship Deadline
Our scholarships provide financial assistance to seniors who are interested in pursuing college or vocational studies upon graduation. Grants are given to assist students in grades 6 - 11 who are interested in participating in an educational program, event or activity sponsored by their school, church or community. To date, over $240,000 has been awarded to students. Any student in the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado is eligible to apply. The deadline is April 17th. For more information about our program, please click here.
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4/24/21 (Sat) - 4th Annual Book Summary Lottery
“If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.” —Toni Morrison. We are pleased to announce our 3rd Annual Book Summary Lottery. Simply read one book by an African American author, write a book summary and personal reflection, and submit your work. Students will be entered into a drawing. Two middle school students and two high school students will be selected to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Submission deadline is Saturday, April 24th. For more information, please click here. |
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You Can Make a Difference! |
When you shop at Amazon, they donate 0.5% of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the African American Youth Leadership Conference. Why not shop and donate at the same time? Sign up today, it's FREE! Help us support the youth. For more information, click here. |
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