Leadership in Action: How Student Councils Shape Young Minds
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This time of year often brings out the best in many people. Across the country, young people are coming together to make a difference. Student leaders are finding creative ways to give back to the community through fundraising and food drives.
A student council group at Oliver High School in Michigan is a shining example of outstanding youth leadership. They successfully organized a food and coin drive this year for their community. Beyond the giving, their efforts demonstrate leadership, planning, and execution of the plan - skills all youth need.
The student council is an excellent opportunity for young people to develop leadership skills. They learn from experiences - hands-on activities. As a school principal, I found that the young people in our student council were always looking for ways to improve their community or school, but they were also learning essential life skills.
At Oliver High School, here are a few of the results and activities they were recently involved in:
student council meetings to discuss the annual food and coin drive leadership opportunities
discussions about ways to support those in need in their community
students made videos to promote their activities
meetings with other leadership organizations in the school, such as the National Honor Society
preparation for the distribution of food
coordination with other organizations such as Olivet Good Neighbor Food Pantry
The students and staff raised $3,492 in food and supplies this year. Great job, Oliver High School Student Council!
If you're a young person eager to grow as a leader, ask your school administrators if they have a student council. Get involved and put your leadership skills to work. Student council experiences will help to prepare you for future leadership opportunities.
Martial arts perspective:
Even though we study martial arts at Delaware Hapkido, we always look for other opportunities to present to our students that allow them to become leaders. Numerous programs facilitate hands-on leadership experiences outside our academy, e.g., school-based programs and community service. We always support our martial arts students who explore those outside of our program experiences.
Questions:
How can you improve your leadership experiences, and what programs will offer you hands-on leadership learning opportunities?
After reading about the Oliver High School Student Council, what could they have done differently to expand their reach in collecting food or money?
Why is it a good idea to gain leadership experience through hands-on activities?
It's the beginning of the new year. What plans do you have to engage in leadership this year? Are you involved in any leadership programs that will improve your leadership skill level?
