Instilling hope, inspiring vision, and opening doors of opportunity and commitment—that is the essence of Leadership Youth. With gang activity and the disturbing trend of increased disconnection of our youth from nuclear family relationships, community leaders and leadership organizations must step forward to act now. We must build bridges between our youth and their community.

Leadership Youth is designed to achieve progress toward that goal. Twenty-five youth from Salem-Keizer area high schools, participate in a program that recognizes their leadership potential and expects them to commit to a positive leadership role within their schools and their community.

These youth can make a positive difference in our community if we first make a positive step towards them.

The Mission of Leadership Youth is to cultivate and nurture the hidden leadership qualities that exist in all youth within the Salem-Keizer communities.

Program Description

Patterned after Leadership Salem, in the first year youth will receive a comprehensive overview of the Salem-Keizer area—its realities, opportunities and challenges; meet face to face with recognized community leaders and decision makers; and receive an introduction to community resources by way of tours, panels and speakers. Each of the nine one-day sessions focuses on a different theme: leadership; community history and culture; natural resources; business and commerce; education; human resources; legal systems; government; and a community project.

During the second year, youth serve on a community board while being paired with a community mentor from that board. The formal mentor relationship helps the student become accustomed to the rules, norms and expectations of a community leader. As a result, the student will gain insight to community issues, needs and challenges.

The knowledge and experience that youth gain will impact their lives and enable them to grow and become involved in helping to shape a positive future for the Salem-Keizer area.

Program Schedule

Times: All monthly program times are typically scheduled for 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. and our on the forth Wednesday unless otherwise noted because of holidays or finals.
Location: Salem Area Chamber of Commerce
Program Contact: Kathy Moore, Leadership Programs Coordinator, Salem Chamber, 503-581-1466 x 316
Coordinating Organizations: Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Keizer Chamber of Commerce

Program Sponsors and Partners:

• Executive Leadership Council - Salem Chamber
• Blanchet Catholic School
• Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods

First Year

September: Mandatory Orientation - Program overview and expectations for the family of the youth & parent/guardian
September: You're On Our Team!  An introduction to the program, discussion of goals and team building.
October: In The Beginning...  A look at Salem's past and present, the multi-cultural community and the arts
November: It's Your Business... The industries and companies that drive the area economy
December: Respect Your Resources - Water, timber, agriculture and energy
January: What's Your Verdict?  Examining the challenges of the judicial system
February: Service Above Self - Non-profit social services organizations and community heroes on the front-line
March: It's All Politics, Or Is It?  City, state and local government
April: Education in Action, Transition from school to work
May: Making It Happen!  Completion of class community project

Second Year

Sept.-May: Community Board Service - Serve as a youth representative for a community based organization
May/June: Graduation Ceremony

Leadership Youth Community Boards

A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village
City of Keizer- City Council
City of Salem - Human Rights & Relations Advisory Commission (HRRAC)
IKE BOX
Garten Services, Inc.
United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley
Keizer Chamber of Commerce
Youth Impact Board
Catholic Community Services
Salem Riverfront Carousel
Salem Association of Realtors
PGE Festival of Lights Holiday Parade
Salem Keizer Education Foundation
Marion County Sheriff’s
SCVA
Family Building Blocks
Salem Art Association
Miss Marion Polk Scholarship Program
Salem City Club
Salem Electric
Salem Leadership Foundation
Liberty House
No Meth, Not in my Neighborhood

To learn about sponsorship opportunities or information about Leadership Youth, please contact Kathy Moore, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at 503-581-1466, ext 316 or email kathy {at} salemchamber.org.