By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber
Young professionals (YPs) often ask my advice about how they should become involved in the community beyond participating in YP events and activities. I suggest demonstrating community trusteeship, whether that means volunteering for a non-profit organization or participating in a local leadership program. Why should you participate in a leadership program? Well, I can tell you from personal experience that leadership programs will help you build your personal and professional network, develop your leadership skills and prepare you to serve on a non-profit board of trustees. In fact, it helped to prepare me for the coolest job in the land as the young professionals manager.
As a proud graduate of the Leadership Columbus class of 2007, I had an invaluable experience during the 10-month program. Meeting and connecting with fellow classmates, such as Debra Penzone, president of Charles Penzone Family of Salons, as well as community leaders like my then-future-boss, Ty Marsh, president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber, was incredible. “The Leadership Columbus experience is a unique combination of relationship-building, learning, problem-solving, civic engagement and personal growth.” It was a tremendous opportunity that my previous employer supported as part of my career and leadership development. (I'm pictured on the far left with some of my Leadership Columbus classmates in the photo on the right.)
A few months after starting at the Columbus Chamber, I was presented with an opportunity to serve on my first board – the board of trustees for Capital Crossroads SID (Special Improvement District) on behalf of the Chamber. I also serve as the chair of the SID’s promotions committee. I take both roles very seriously and consider it an opportunity to exercise my community trusteeship. I have a great sense of ownership of downtown Columbus and the community as a whole. I don’t know that I would have been asked, let alone prepared, to serve in this capacity without my Leadership Columbus experience.
Not all leadership programs are the same – some have no or low tuition, as few as 12 program participants or sessions on Saturdays. To learn more about local leadership programs, I highly recommend that you check out the following links (not a comprehensive list):
• Central Ohio Leadership Organizations: http://www.leadershipcolumbus.org/news-and-events/central-ohio-leadership-organizations.php
• Capital Club’s Ladder Society: http://www.capitalcolumbus.com/ladder-society
• Leadership Union County: http://www.unioncountychamber.com/leadershipunioncounty.aspx
Think about how YOU can be a community trustee. Apply for local leadership programs. Ask others about their experiences in various leadership programs. Be ready to serve your community. Columbus needs your leadership.
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