Leadership group plans skill-building class for fall

By Brian Johnson

The Leadership of Vernon County, formerly called EXCEL, are looking for potential leaders of tomorrow.

The group, lead in part by Carol Parmenter, will try to put together a class for people of all ages who are interested in becoming leaders.

According to Parmenter, the class -- still in the planning stages -- will be taught on three points: What kind of leadership skills participants have, opportunities of leadership in the community, and opportunities and challenges faced in becoming a leader.

"I feel this is important to our community," Parmenter said. "A lot of people want to do something in their community. But most of the time they don't. Hopefully this class can help."

In the class, participants will get a first-hand account of how local government works.

"They'll be going to different governing boards," Parmenter said. "They will be looking at some of the people who get things accomplished in the community."

Not only will the participants get a first hand look at how local government works, they will also be going to Jefferson City to know how state politics work.

The 10- to 11-session class will also tech its participants communication skills like speaking in public.

"Speaking in public is one of the hardest things people do," Parmenter said. " But you will be expected to do that later on in life, that's why we teach it."

Public speaking isn't the only skill being taught at the class. According to Parmenter the last assignment will be done in groups.

"If things go well, this year's group will be giving the lesson plan for next year's class." Parmenter said.

Right now there is no set date as to when the class will start. But Parmenter said they plan on starting in the fall. If the class is a success, Parmenter hopes to develop a youth leadership team in the near future.

To fill out an application, contact Parmenter at the Vernon County University Outreach and Extension Office, (417) 448-2560.

The group's steering committee has met regularly for the past several months, and will continue to meet monthly -- possibly more often to solidify plans for local activities aimed at building the skills of tomorrow's leaders.