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"I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers."

-Ralph Nader

Leadership & Volunteerism

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A Winning Partnership:
Leadership & Volunteerism and the WKU Parents' Advisory Council

WKU Parents Advisory Council has been a major sponsor of Leadership & Volunteerism's initiatives over the past five years. Through the Council's support, additional leadership development opportunities have been made available to Western students. Student involvement in Leadership & Volunteerism activities increased tremendously in the 2008-2009 academic year due to the PAC's assistance with over 1,500 estimated participants in the office's activities.

The PAC directly supported the Dynamic Leadership Institute (1,200 participants), Up 'Til Dawn philanthropic effort (1,100 participants), and avariety of other leadership development opportunities. Without the PAC's support, such events as Weekend in the Woods (freshman leadership retreat), Alternative Spring Break philanthropy, and LeaderShape Institute would not be provided.

The Leadership & Volunteerism staff is appreciative of the PAC interest and commitment to student leadership development. This partnership provides opportunities for students to learn more about themselves as leaders and this understanding enhances future student success.

Leadership and Volunteerism Information

Leadership & Volunteerism Programs

University Centers & Leadership Programs has implemented various programs to promote leadership and volunteerism among the student body of Western Kentucky University, as well as high school students from all over the state of Kentucky. Students can get involved with programs by contacting the Leadership & Volunteerism offices located in the Downing University Center, room #324 and #325.

Contact Mindy Johnson, mindy.johnson@wku.edu, or Hunter Williams, hunter.williams@wku.edu, to get involved today!

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Leadership & Volunterrism: CALENDAR

Important events & dates are coming soon!!

Alternative Breaks

Two alternative breaks are held throughout the school year, one during WKU’s fall break and one during spring break. During these trips, students perform various community service projects. Past experiences include trips across the United States working with Habitat for Humanity. During fall break, students traveled to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Students are selected on their previous community service work and their level of involvement.
Dynamic Leadership Institute

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"Its more than just a phase"

The Dynamic Leadership Institute, known to many as simply DLI, is designed to teach students the interpersonal skills and knowledge needed to engage in various leadership roles on campus, within the community, and in their futures.  Each of the four phases allows the student to view leadership from different perspectives and provides opportunities to examine and enhance their skills.

Phase I – Leadership Initiative

This phase is designed to enhance participants’ basic leadership skills and abilities.  The participants represent diverse ages, interests, and levels of leadership abilities.  The Institute’s program includes leadership seminars designed to address a wide array of topics, such as: problem solving, diversity, leadership styles, teambuilding, personality, and vision. 

Phase II – Leadership Exploration & Discovery

This phase focuses on each individual’s self exploration as a leader.  During this phase, each participant will have the opportunity to discover their strengths and areas for improvement in regards to their personal leadership styles.  Topics for this phase include: situational leadership, consensus building, global diversity, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.  Participants will begin to better understand themselves as leaders and how they work with others.

Phase III – Leadership in Action

This phase gives participants the opportunity to use the knowledge and skills learned in the first two phases and put them into action.  In a team environment, participants will be challenged to use their leadership skills and abilities to address a different case study each week.  In addition, StrengthsQuest and The Leadership Challenge assessments are used to continue the study of their personal leadership styles.

Phase IV – Leadership in the Real World

This phase focuses on leadership in the “real world.”  Topics and activities will address professionalism, career preparation, networking, transitioning, etiquette, alumni opportunities and philanthropy.  After completion of this phase, students will be better prepared to make the transition from campus leader to new professional/community leader.

To apply to the Dynamic Leadership Institute:

High School Leadership Conference

Each semester, the Dynamic Leadership Institute sponsors a High School Leadership Conference. Students from across Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana come together to obtain information, insight, and an understanding of leadership dynamics. Participants attend sessions presented by WKU staff and student leaders. The conference focuses on the importance of leadership and how to stay active within programs on high school campuses.

Western students have the opportunity to get involved with the conference by working on the conference committee that helps with planning, organizing, implementation, and evaluation of the program. On the day of the conference, WKU students can be found working with registration, helping to direct students and advisors, as well as co-presenting sessions on leadership.
Leadership Celebration Week

Every fall the Dynamic Leadership Institute and the Office of Leadership & Volunteerism collaborate with other departments on campus for the annual Leadership Celebration Week. Each day highlights a variety of leadership activities on campus and gives students a better idea of WKU leadership opportunities. The goal is to target a broader section of campus by offering different activities and events throughout the week. This is a chance to celebrate leadership on WKU’s campus!
Multicultural Student Leadership Week

Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs and the Dynamic Leadership Institute, this annual off campus retreat provides an opportunity for minority students to examine campus leadership issues. This weekend conference addresses challenges facing minority student organizations and focuses upon group success strategies.
New Officer Transition Retreat

This retreat is open to all campus organizations! Each organization has the opportunity to bring their newly elected president, two members of the executive board, and nominate two emerging leaders. During this retreat, those in attendance will be discussing ways to help the organization during this transition period, as well as learning new information that is pertinent when transitioning into a new position. There is NO COST to the organization, and snacks will be provided. This is also a great way to meet other leaders on WKU's campus!

For information contact Mindy Johnson at 270-745-2060 or mindy.johnson@wku.edu
Omicron Delta Kappa

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded on December 3, 1914 at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia by 15 students and faculty leaders. The Western Kentucky University chapter was founded in 1971. ODK recognizes students who have reached junior or senior status and have excelled in one or more of the following areas: Scholarship, Athletics, Campus/Community Service, Mass Media, and Creative/Performing Arts.
Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society has many activities that raise money for cancer research, and Relay for Life is one of their signature events. Each spring WKU holds a Relay for Life celebration at the track surrounding L.T. Smith Stadium. Teams participating in this twelve hour event raise money throughout the spring semester. This event is a great way for students, faculty, and staff to come together for a wonderful cause.

American Cancer Society Facts*

  • The American Cancer Society funds 32 grants in the Mid-South Division that totals $14,752,500.
  • 16.5 million people visit the American Cancer Society website per year.
  • “By 2015, the American Cancer Society aims to prevent almost five million additional deaths from cancer, avoid six million new cancer diagnoses, and measurably improve the quality of life for those with the disease.”

*Facts provided by the American Cancer Society.
St. Jude Up 'Til Dawn

Up ‘til Dawn is a college fundraising event, sponsored by the Student Volunteer Bureau, in which all efforts benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Students, faculty, and staff work to raise money throughout the fall semester through a letter writing campaign and other fundraising events. At the final event, which takes place in the Preston Health and Activities Center, all those who raised money stay up all night, with the notion that cancer never sleeps. Bands, blow-up games, movie, food and many other activities are provided to keep people awake and energized. For more information contact the executive board at uptildawn@hotmail.com.

St. Jude
Patient Story
Tori Hopkins
2 years old

Diagnosis:
Tori was discovered to have neuroblastoma in June 2006.

Tori’s Story:
One night when she was just 13 months, Tori cried out suddenly in pain. Thinking their youngest daughter was tired or coming down with something, her parents, Jessica and Jack, decided to calm her with a warm bath. But once in the water, Tori couldn’t sit up or keep her face out of the water. Immediately, her parents’ worry turned to alarm. They took Tori to the local emergency room, but initial X-rays revealed nothing serious. When doctors finally performed a CT scan a day later, it revealed a tumor behind Tori's kidney called neuroblastoma, a common solid tumor of childhood. Doctors immediately referred the family to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for treatment.

At St. Jude:
At St. Jude, doctors found Tori suffered from stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. They also discovered Tori had a broken leg. The fracture had been caused by pressure from the tumor spreading to the bones near her knee. Despite this devastating news, Jessica said they felt immediately at ease at St. Jude. “Unless you’ve been at another hospital, you really can’t understand the difference between St. Jude and everywhere else,” she said.

Tori received chemotherapy and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. After surgery, she continued to receive chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant and radiation treatment. Today, Tori is off treatment and at home with her parents and her older sister. An active 2-year-old, she learned how to swim this summer. Tori currently returns to the hospital every three months for regular checkups. St. Jude far exceeded the family’s expectations. “It has such a cheerful atmosphere, and we’re thankful for all the activities St. Jude provides for patients and their siblings,” Jessica said. About the donors who help support St. Jude, she is eternally grateful. “We thank God every day that there are people who care as much as they do,” she said. Once the family returned home, they signed up to become Partners In Hope, to help give back to the hospital that saved their daughter’s life.

United Way Penny War

Faculty and staff at Western Kentucky University participate in the annual United Way fundraising campaign. The United Way helps thousands of people every day with a mission, “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.” During past campaigns, the Student Volunteer Bureau recruited student organizations and University Experience classes to get involved a “penny war.” Collaboratively, WKU students contributed over $750.00 of to United Way. The United Way Penny War will take place each fall semester during the university campaign.

Volunteer Initiative Program

~Information Coming Soon~

Weekend In The Woods

This freshman leadership is sponsored by the Dynamic Leadership Institute and is conducted each fall for selected campus leaders to transfer information, focus on special topics, and promote campus unity. If you are looking for the chance to make new friends, develop your leadership skills, and explore the great outdoors, then apply for Weekend in the Woods. This is an exclusive opportunity offered to emerging freshman leaders. Hope to see you "in the woods!"

November 13-14, 2009
 
 

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Last updated October 16, 2009

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