Essential Skill: Leadership and Community Building
Kimball Union students are immersed in an academic and residential setting that values a set of nine essential skills. Together, these represent the hard and soft skills requisite for a 21st Century leader. We recently presented background on Global Awareness, Personal Growth and Development, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Health and Wellness. A couple of weeks ago, we explored the next essential skill, Leadership and Community Building.
“A number of years ago we added ‘leadership’ to our mission statement,” remarked Academic Dean Michael Porrazzo while introducing Leadership and Community Building. “We are now committed to creativity, mastery, responsibility, and leadership. This addition has been transformative to our community. . . When you lead, you are helping build community, and when you play a role in building community, you are leading positive change.” Leadership and Community Building, like our other essential skills, is divided into several sub-competencies:
Through course work, social programs, and extra-curricular activities, KUA graduates have learned to:
· Engage with and contribute to their community
· Identify a need and articulate a vision
· Motivate and organize a group to effect change
· Recognize, reflect, and act upon their roles in the community
“More than anything else, it means being active,” remarks Alex ’18. “No matter how small your community is, you can make a difference. When we raised money for the Broadway Cares charity, we raised over $4000. That’s nearly the same amount that the charity gives to the HIV/HIC Center right here in Lebanon. Even the smallest step can make a big difference.” Alex continues, “Every all school meeting we have two wonderful all-school presidents who use the platform to motivate people. Whether it’s reminding us not to take cups from the dining hall or encouraging us to be the best students we can be, it’s a great example of how being a leader can motivate people. No effort is too small, and being aware of that is very important.”
Thank you, Mr. Porrazzo and Alex, for your thoughtful remarks on Leadership and Community Building, and stay tuned for more news on Essential Skills.
“A number of years ago we added ‘leadership’ to our mission statement,” remarked Academic Dean Michael Porrazzo while introducing Leadership and Community Building. “We are now committed to creativity, mastery, responsibility, and leadership. This addition has been transformative to our community. . . When you lead, you are helping build community, and when you play a role in building community, you are leading positive change.” Leadership and Community Building, like our other essential skills, is divided into several sub-competencies:
Through course work, social programs, and extra-curricular activities, KUA graduates have learned to:
· Engage with and contribute to their community
· Identify a need and articulate a vision
· Motivate and organize a group to effect change
· Recognize, reflect, and act upon their roles in the community
“More than anything else, it means being active,” remarks Alex ’18. “No matter how small your community is, you can make a difference. When we raised money for the Broadway Cares charity, we raised over $4000. That’s nearly the same amount that the charity gives to the HIV/HIC Center right here in Lebanon. Even the smallest step can make a big difference.” Alex continues, “Every all school meeting we have two wonderful all-school presidents who use the platform to motivate people. Whether it’s reminding us not to take cups from the dining hall or encouraging us to be the best students we can be, it’s a great example of how being a leader can motivate people. No effort is too small, and being aware of that is very important.”
Thank you, Mr. Porrazzo and Alex, for your thoughtful remarks on Leadership and Community Building, and stay tuned for more news on Essential Skills.
