Leadership Howard County Announcements | June 2021
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. 
-Edith Wharton
Upcoming Events & Program Updates
LHC is excited to celebrate both the Leadership Premier Class of 2021 and our award recipients June 15 from 5:45 to 6:45 pm. LHC has been continually monitoring CDC guidelines and recommendations set forth from Howard County regarding meeting guidelines and best practices to maintain a safe, socially distanced environment. While optimistic about COVID-19 cases continuing to trend downward, we are committed to keep doing our part to ensure this trend continues to move in the right direction and, therefore, have determined that in-person guests will be limited to our LP '21 graduates, award recipients, and minimal staff. The evening will be professionally live-streamed via LHC's Facebook Page (which may be accessed with/without a Facebook account) and want to extend a cordial invitation to all to virtually join us. Click here for the event link and we look forward to your joining us!
Congratulations to LHC's 2021 Award Recipients
Leadership Premier 2021
Leadership Premier's Class of 2021 recently explored the various domains that make a community livable during the Where & How We Live Session. During the Lifelong Learning Session, class members took an in-depth look at the impact of learning in relation to current issues, opportunities, challenges and resources.
Community Impact Project (CIP) Spotlights
Community Impact Projects (CIPS) are an important part of both the Leadership Premier (LP) and Leadership Essentials (LE) programs. LHC has been pleased to highlight over the past few months, the efforts of our LP 2021 project teams and host organizations who have been working together to address a challenge and/or strategic issue. The CIP application process is gearing up for 2021-22. Two information sessions are scheduled for June 16, 4 pm (virtual) and June 17, 8:30 am (location TBA). More details may be found at the LHC website.
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The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) is a national organization with subsequent state affiliate groups under its umbrella. NAMI HC is Howard County’s affiliate organization and has grown steadily over the last 40 years. However, while being the leading advocate and resource for families impacted with mental illness through education, advocacy and support, there exists a lack of awareness within the community about some of their programs and events.

The Team's project focus has centered on reviewing the agency's external communications systems to determine consistency and a solid coordinated approach. This review has included NAMI's website, email, newsletter and social media to identify strengths and weaknesses in each area and provide recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

CIP Team Members: Jodi Benning, Geoffrey Colbert, Brian Geesaman, Ana Liesch, and Renee Mankoff.
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The Mission of The 3rd is to build a space to foster dreams, create community, and provide mentorship for Women of Color so that they may turn their ideas into economic power and freedom. LHC’s CIP Team, Rounding the 3rd , has been passionate about collaborating with organization Founder and CEO, Laura Bacon, to create a business plan for business owners to establish a strategic direction, attain future goals and propel their business forward with a purpose. This Plan, “Holistic Curriculum for Building a Business”, includes five business milestones - each containing several sessions with specific business focal area, as well as lessons for the entrepreneur to complete, in order for them to assess where they are in the process. Visit their website to learn more about The 3rd.            
CIP Team Members: Mick Carbo, Amanda Johnson, Mike Mitchell, and Sabina Sambat.
Last summer, Starr Opinion Research and the National Leadership Network (NLN) conducted a landmark national survey of alumni of community leadership programs. Thank you to all LHC alumni who were part of the 4,534 leaders who responded. Collected opinions and shared insights have been consolidated into a report which covers three topical areas: local leadership lessons from the pandemic, a roadmap for equalizing opportunities and the values of community leadership. Click here for a free copy of this document.

Visit the NLN website for periodic updates.
June is here and it's time to celebrate the wrap up of Leadership Essentials 2021. The five Community Impact Project (CIP) teams will deliver their project handoffs to their respective hosts June 1 and 2 and a (virtual) Closing Session is scheduled for June 3. If you are interested in joining the celebration, please RSVP to Lori Fuchs and the program and Zoom event access link will be forwarded.

As a reminder, with the close of LE '21, planning is now getting underway for the 2022 program! Support an emerging leader in your organization or, consider joining as a cohort participant. It's not too early to have a conversation about your interest! Connect with Leadership Essentials on social media to keep up with what's going on with the program, alumni, coaches and the CIP community!
More details may also be found at our website.
Volunteer Opportunities

Leadership Howard County is looking for volunteers to serve in the following areas:
  • Leadership Premier – help pull together each of the session program days, including: Developing curriculum, determining appropriate reading/video content, identifying speakers, arranging community visits, and planning logistics in advance of the program session day. There are also opportunities to assist within the Community Impact Project and Learning Opportunity components. Email Laurie Remer, if interested.
  • General Membership/Alumni Steering Committee – help develop programming, including: Social events, service projects, identifying speakers/topics for programs and This Just In content. Email Stacie Hunt, if interested.
  • Finance committee - oversee the long-term financial health of the organization and strategically plan for our future. Email Stacie Hunt, if interested.
  • Leadership U - Chaperones for summer week (July 25 - 30, 2021) are needed to help supervise the program on select days, as well as in the fall during the 3D HC service project day. Email Meg Ignacio, if interested
  • Leadership Essentials – Consider serving as a Coach or Community Impact Project liaison. Contact Lori Fuchs for more details.

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Springboard Community Services is in search of board members. Read more ...
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The next Class Connections will be distributed mid-June. Please share your news/ updates with Karen Bryant and remember to let us know how you are staying connected!