Some 26 youth from across Oklahoma have a greater understanding of their leadership capabilities since the 2010 Oklahoma REYAP Leadership Seminar. The three-day seminar was held at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma in Tulsa on June 13-16.
REYAP is a not-for-profit, member-based, minority youth organization. Formed in 1994, the organization introduces culturally diverse youth – 7th-to-12th grade – to opportunities in the agriculture industry while focusing on scholarship, leadership, citizenship and economic development.
“The purpose of this seminar is to expand the awareness of participants beyond the basic concepts of leadership,” said Rita Combs, REYAP executive director.
Participants gain understanding of their own leadership ability, the intrapersonal and interpersonal affects of communication in leadership and how their leadership style affects those around them. Speakers who are current leaders in their field, actively involved the students in timely topics such as The Five Forms of Power; Who Moved My Cheese; and The Four Paradigms about Communication, Conflict Management Versus Resolution and Communication.
“The students learned techniques on becoming a more effective leader and that without effective leadership, no organization will become successful,” Combs said.
Through boardroom-like discussions, in-depth analysis and research-based activities, the participants not only examine the concepts of effective leadership they also explore the practices of what it takes to be an effective leader.
Additionally, the students examined the role of citizenship as a trait of effective leaders.
“When the students were presented with an option of participating in a community service project, they all jumped at the opportunity,” Combs said. “They worked at the Food Bank and assisted in distributing food for needy families throughout the state of Oklahoma.”
Other REYAP programs include the Career and Workforce Development Workshop, REYAP Summer Intern Program and Agricultural Science and Technology Institute at Oklahoma State University.
For more information contact Rita Combs at 918-933-5450 or rita.combs@reyap.org
Latisha Lollis,senior at Central High School, Tulsa
PHOTO: Latisha Lollis, senior at Central High School in Tulsa joined 26 students from across Oklahoma assist with the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma during the REYAP Leadership Seminar.
