Article written and submitted by: Lexi Hardman

Youth Leadership Pickens strives to bring together children from all walks of life, in order to better prepare them for their future as leaders in their community. To continue developing leadership skills this year, the YLP Steering Committee took the 32 participants to the Tate House for their October Etiquette Session. Michelle Roberson, of Episcopal Church of the Holy Family, lead the YLP participants on a program titled “How to Set Your Dinner Table.” The Tate House provided a delicious four course meal. Following dinner, the participants were asked to give a 30 second intro of themselves. In November, the YLP Steering Committee packed up the participants and took them to visit the Georgia State Capital for the November Government Session. We were honored to have Representative Rick Jasperse spend the day giving the Youth Leadership Pickens a tour of the Capital, teaching them about the ins and outs of being a State Representative, and how a bill is debated and negotiated throughout the committees. They truly walked away informed and pleased with their exciting day!

Throughout the year, the Steering Committee will help guide and direct each student to grow as student leaders and build upon the foundations set at each session. This will be accomplished through additional sessions led by individuals that embody the definition of a leader throughout the community, attending city meetings, volunteering with various non-profits and completing a group project based on the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.”

The Youth Leadership Pickens program is supported by the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, and funded by the annual Snowball Golf Tournament, which hosted by the Chamber. In addition, we have sponsorships and accept contributions for this wonderful program. If you are interested in donating to Youth Leadership Pickens, contact Lexi Hardman at 706-692-5600 or visit our website at www.pickenschamber.com.