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I have always felt it was important for new generations to step forward with plans to be involved in their communities.
Whether it is volunteering for a local nonprofit, running for public office, assisting with school fundraisers or contributing to a charitable organization, it is vital for new blood to come in and keep things going for the future.
One of the paths toward community involvement which has been near to me over the years has been the Leadership Ohio Valley program offered through the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce.
For full transparency, of course, I'm a member of the chamber's board of directors and chair its Education Committee which puts together the program.
I'm also a Leadership graduate, having been part of the Class of 2008 (back when it was known as Leadership Weirton).
Prior to my Leadership experience, I was content with simply keeping my head down, doing my work and not worrying about what went into those aspects which, quite frankly, keep our communities going. Going through the program, though, I saw first-hand the impact a single individual or a small group can have.
I realized the importance of encouraging involvement, especially as we saw many of the same individuals being a part of pretty much everything back then. At some point, those individuals decide to step back, leaving a void to fill. Communities need dedicated people who are willing to give of themselves in order to thrive. Leadership Ohio Valley helps to showcase some of those ways by exposing people in our business community to various aspects of local life.
The Weirton Chamber currently is organizing the 2024 class of the program, which will kick off Nov. 2 and 3. If you are a business or organization with someone you think would benefit from the program, please contact the chamber to see what is involved.
Participants in Leadership Ohio Valley plan and participate in several monthly sessions with a goal of encouraging networking with others, volunteerism, teamwork and more. They learn about various aspects of government, education, healthcare, business and our culture. Through these sessions they often are provided an opportunity for a behind-the-scenes view at what goes into growing our communities, aiding those in need and providing the services which keep us going.
The class also is required to volunteer their time for the benefit of local organizations, programs and events, work together to craft a project which will benefit the community and attend one meeting of a local civic organization and one meeting of a local governmental entity.
For those who step up to take this opportunity in the next couple of months, I would simply advise to get to know each other, spend time together outside of the sessions and planned activities and think outside of the box in fulfilling your obligations. One of the unique aspects of the Weirton Chamber's Leadership program is each session is planned by members of the class. Find activities which fit into each session category that are both educational and fun. No one wants to sit in a room and be lectured to for three hours. Come up with hands-on activities where the class can learn and not be bored.
It is a commitment, and not one to be taken lightly. So, for individuals who have an interest in finding new ways to contribute, think about it. For businesses, if you have an employee you would like to see take on more responsibility, consider sending them through. It will be worth it.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)