Leadership Spokane Newsletter

The Servant Leader

A Publication of the Leadership Spokane Alumni Association

July 2009

Leadership: Service to Something Great

Ryan Crocker returned to Spokane this spring after a distinguished, 37-year career in the Foreign Service. His most recent post was US Ambassador to Iraq, but he has also served in Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Syria, Lebanon, Qatar and Egypt. In September 2004, Ambassador Crocker was promoted to Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the Foreign Service. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2009. He was the keynote speaker at Leadership Spokane Graduation this June. Here are some excerpts from his remarks.

I've been asked to speak to you today about my leadership experience. I've seen some hard service in hard places. I'll begin by telling you what leadership isn't. First of all, it isn't about you; it's about service to something great: a cause, a place, a people. It's not having all the answers, but knowing whom to ask. It's valuing the people you are working with, those who soldier on with you. They are your greatest resource. Use them well.

So, what is leadership? It's about vision: developing it, communicating it, and staying with it. Leadership is about commitment. When you become a leader, you go off the clock. The 40-hour week and perpetually free weekends are not always yours. A leader doesn't get to throw up his or her hands and say, "Thanks for the memories, I'm out of here."

It's easy to lead when things are going well, and not so easy when things are tough. You have to learn to keep your focus in the face of adversity. A leader perseveres. Perseverance does not require hope. Hope does require perseverance. Leadership requires both. It is not always darkest before the dawn. It is darkest just before the lights go out completely.

Being a leader is sometimes different than being yourself. In times of crisis, ask yourself what should the leader do--not what you should do. When you figure it out, do it--even through you'd prefer to be hiding in the closet.

Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is chipped out, learned, experienced, and forged in the fires of adversity.

One of the most serious dangers to leadership at any level is groupthink. The pressure is tremendous. People say, "Let's just get on with it." Resist the pressure. Cultivate a climate of constructive dissent. Say to your people, "Here's what I think--I'd really like to hear from you," and mean it.

I came back to Spokane after many years of service, but I never really left. I'm here now because there's no place I'd rather call home. I commend you on your commitment and wish you good luck. Luck does count, but it's what happens when preparation meets opportunity. You have the preparation. Now go seek the opportunity.

Message from the Chair

Allen Battle, Class of 2006

This past week I had the privilege to witness the graduation of yet another class of Leadership Spokane. As much as I like to consider my class, Class of 2006, the "greatest class ever," there was something about this group that was very special.

Now that they are a part of the prestigious Alumni group, it is now time to take notice on the great things this group will be doing out in our community. I am also honored to have been the recipient of this years Business Trustee Leadership Award from this great group of individuals. 2009 has been a great, yet challenging year for me, but the greatness has far out weighed the challenges.

As I step down as the Alumni Chair, I want to thank all who were involved in making this another great year. Stepping up as the new Alumni Chair will be a former classmate of mine, Mr. Rob Crow. Rob is one of the brightest and sharpest leaders Spokane has to offer and you will begin to see some changes in the focus of the Alumni group as we begin implementing our strategic plan. I once again thank all of the staff and the alumni for their continued support of this wonderful organization.

Apply for the YLS Class of 2010 Today!

Interested in improving your leadership skills, making new friends, and getting involved with the community? Take a look at Youth Leadership Spokane!

Youth Leadership Spokane brings together 30 to 35 youth from all Spokane County public and private schools for an intensive, 10-month civic leadership training program.

There is a full day team-building retreat in August, followed by one evening meeting a month, September through May. There will be some prep time for each session. Participants will have opportunities to tour sites (such as: Fire Training Center, Waste to Energy Plant, Inland Northwest Blood Center, a TV station, the Police Academy, Fox Theater, and The Spokesman-Review press.)

Applications will be accepted until 31 July 2009. All area high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are welcome to apply. Download the application!

YMCA and Leadership Spokane Collaborate on YLS Program

In other YLS news, the YMCA of the Inland Northwest and Leadership Spokane are joining forces as partners to produce the YLS program. Both organizations share a mission of serving teens and have complementary skills to bring to the partnership.

"I'm excited about the synergy of this collaboration. It's great stewardship. By working together, we can serve teens better and expand outreach to at-risk youth. Both organizations share so much, but we also have a diversity of thought and approach that will create a more dynamic YLS program," said Linda Finney, Leadership Spokane Executive Director.

"Most of the YLS class sessions will be held at the three area YMCA's," added Christine Brischle, YMCA Association Teen Program Director. "The new facilities have so much to offer to YLS participants-we can incorporate swimming, basketball, fun nights, video and music production, all kinds of great activities into the training."

Pat DeVries, Chair-Elect of the Leadership Spokane Board of Directors noted, "Working together makes so much sense. I think this partnership will take YLS to the next level. The kids will have more opportunities to develop skills that will equip them to serve their community and also prepare them for their future, whether that's college or other post-high school training."

Spokane Students Get Excited about Engineering

Kim Bunkers Brewer, Trident Systems Inc., YLS Class of 1999

Why don't more US students study engineering? This question is one many ask as we face national challenges that require math and science backgrounds. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) reaches out to recruit young women to the traditionally male profession of engineering. Many students, male and female, benefit from SWE-hosted events, talks, and job-shadows which demonstrate that engineering is both a creative and desirable career.

Inland Northwest SWE, which serves the greater Spokane area, targets high schools with round-table discussions about the array of possibilities in engineering. Students often don't realize that their favorite activities have connections to engineering.

In the fall, Inland Northwest SWE's professional and Gonzaga University sections participated in Expanding Your Horizons, an event hosted by the Girl Scouts. Middle school students spent 90 minutes learning about civil engineering and city planning. They were amazed to learn that they could wire up electrical circuits with a breadboard and put light bulbs & buzzers in series and parallel configurations. Inland Northwest SWE hopes that these little successes make students realize how accessible and helpful engineering is to their everyday life.

Recently, Inland Northwest SWE participated in Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution (IGNITE) at Spokane Community College. High school girls participated in hands-on activities. In the Green Energy session, electrical engineers taught students about renewable energy sources. The students used potatoes to create batteries that powered calculators. In the session, mechanical engineers led a brainstorming session for the Mars Rover vehicle design. Students built their own small truss frame and parachute to test their designs. The Designing an Airport session was led by civil engineers who explained the complexity of site design and challenged students to build a paper structure that could support a large stack of books. Everyone at the event had a great time. One group even admitted that they did not have high expectations when they showed up but they had fun and learned a lot at the event.

Kim can be reached at inlandnorthwestswe@gmail.com.

Katie Blomster, Sheri Houck, JoAnn Davis, and Kristina Newhouse used potatoes to show how calculators could be powered by batteries.

Graduation & Community Leadership Day

12 June 2009, Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute

James Perez, Allen Battle, Sara Sexton-Johnson

Graduate Steve Salvatori

Board member Don Anderson, Class of 2008

Board Vice Chair Pat DeVries, Class of 1987, and
Chair Rick Jensen, Class of 2002

Emcee Ellen Dolan, Class of 2005

Graduate Devon Waggoner, YLS Class Speaker

Rich Marll, Ann McAlister, Linda Finney, Brady Peterson

Graduate Jason Swain

Graduate Sharon Cowan

You can also view the Graduation video here.
Photos courtesy of Susan Amstadter.

Class notes

Career Moves

Bonita Bell (2009) has opened her own business, Bell-Andersen Financial Services. Lisa Malpass (2004) now works for the Social Security Administration - Office of Disability Adjudication & Review in Spokane. Amber Waldref (2008) is running for Spokane City Council; visit www.voteamber.org for more information. Tom Weldon (2007) has opened Better Bed & Back in its new facility in downtown Spokane. Elaine Whaley (YLS 2009) is spending the summer at a language school in Spain.

Servant Leaders

Ira Amstadter (2000), Express Personnel Services, installed a drinking fountain outside his front door, kitty corner from Auntie's Books. Taudd Hume (2004), Foster Pepper, was elected to the Spokane Club Board of Trustees. Robin Jons (2006), Tech Group Inc., and Drew MacAfee (former Leadership Spokane Board member), Mercer Consulting, were mentors for Gonzaga University's Emerging Leaders program. John Pilcher (2005), Investment and Real Estate Consultant, has been elected President of the 2009-2010 Spokane Club Board of Trustees.

Graduation Awards

Allen Battle (2006), The Next Level LLC, received the Business Trustee Leadership Award. Community Minded Enterprises received the Community Trustee Leadership Award. Steve Faust (1994), Faust Law Firm, received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Community Leadership Association. Chief of Police Anne Kirkpatrick, Sergeant Dave Overhoff, & Range Master Matthew Cowles, Spokane Regional Police Training Academy, received the YLS Community Leadership Trustee Award. Dave McGann, Arby's, received the Small Business Trustee Leadership Award. The Northeast Youth Center received the Non-Profit Trustee Leadership Award.YMCA/YWCA of the Inland Northwest received the Special Board of Directors Award.

Other Awards

Steve Faust (1994), Faust Law Firm, and Elaine Hoskin (Leadership Spokane Board member), Sterling Savings Bank, are featured in STA bus advertisements. Linda Finney, Leadership Spokane Executive Director, was featured in the May/June issue of The Business Catalyst, speaking on leadership. Doug Kelley (2000), Avista, received the Eastern Washington University Alumni "Service to Community/University" award. Wines from Liberty Lake Wine Cellars, owned by Shelly Smith (2006), were recognized at the 2009 NW Wine Summit. Mike Winger (2000), URM, graduated from Gonzaga University's Emerging Leaders program.

Send updates to lfinney@leadershipspokane.org.

Opportunities for Education, Volunteering, and Having Fun

Educational Resources

College Bound Scholarship is accepting applications until 30 June. View details here.
Engaging Fatherhood Conference and Resource Fair at Spokane Community College Lair on 25 July from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. View the flyer or call 509.747.2877 for more information.
A Multicultural Summer Academy will be held at Spokane Community College for students entering 8th, 9th, or 10th grade 22 June - 31 July. View the brochure here.
Native Youth Summer Program, Mondays - Fridays, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM from 29 June to 31 July. Free program for American Indian children 7 - 18 years old.View details or register.
Summer Japanese Cultural Workshops: Starting 25 June at the Japanese Cultural Center at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, demonstrations will be held on various activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The activities are oriented towards children actually more correctly beginner level regardless, anyone is always welcome to attend! Topics include origami (25 June), eating etiquette (2 July), Star Festival (16 July), hiragana (23 July), basic kanji (30 July), and dance & yukata (6 August). All classes are Thursdays from 3:00 - 5:00 PM. Contact Candie Coker at candiec@mfwi.org.
Sustainable September Spokane, a project of Community Minded Enterprises and its partners, features a month of events that will move the community closer to sustainable living. Sponsors and donations are needed. Visit www.sustainableseptemberspokane.ning.com.
Washington Business Week Teen Summer Camp 12 - 18 July at Gonzaga University. Programs include health care and business. Visit www.wbw.org for more information.
WorkSource Spokane Employer Tax Workshop Business Solutions Seminar at WorkSource Spokane's Sequoia Room (130 S Arthur St.) on 10 July from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM.Contact Mollie at 532.3186.

Leadership Opportunities

2009 Women of Achievement Award nominations are being accepted. Award categories include Woman of Achievement (Arts and Culture, Professional, Volunteer Community Service, or Science), Young Woman of Achievement, and the Carl Maxey Racial Justice Award. Nominate someone or contact jackief@ywcaspokane.org by 30 June 2009.
Habitat for Humanity seeks volunteers for the "Raise the Roof" Auction Committee. Volunteers help plan all aspects of the event, including procuring auction items and sponsors. Auction is 18 September at The Lincoln Center. Contact Courtney Susemiehl at 534.2552 ext. 14 or courtney@habitat-spokane.org.

Interested in helping to plan and produce Leadership Spokane class sessions? We would love to have your participation on the program committee or as a presenter. The Program Committee retreat will be held 14 July from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (location to be announced.) Contact Sue Welberry, Program Committee Chair, at skw100@live.com for information.

Olive Crest seeks donations of tickets to events (baseball games, movie tickets, theme parks) to treat an Olive Crest child to summer fun. Visit www.olivecrest.org or contact Melody Slachter at 468.0700.
The Spokane Arts Commission seeks nominations for the 2009 City of Spokane Arts Awards. Individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to nominate candidates for these awards in these categories: Individual Artist; Arts Organization; Arts in Education; Individual Benefactor; Business Benefactor; and Arts Community Leadership. Forms and a complete list of past winners are available at www.spokanearts.org/awards.aspx Deadline for submission is 7 August.
The World Affairs Council of Spokane seek several board members. Board duties include deciding and helping implement policy for the growth of the organization, helping promote constructive relationships with key organizations and individuals, participating in fundraising, and reviewing and evaluating the policies of WAC Spokane. Contact Daniel Distelhorst at dandistelhorst@comcast.net or 465.5971.

Events, by date

25 June: Re-dedication of Plaque which marks where the Reform Jewish Temple Emanu-El was dedicated on 14 September 1892, four days before Seattle's Ohaveth Sholum. Temple Emanu-El was used until a new Spokane temple was built at 8th Ave. and Walnut St. in the 1920s. The dedication will take place at about 4th Ave. and Madison St.Contact Rhonda-T Warren at 327.0103.
26 June: Zackary Camarda Memorial Golf Tournament hosted by the Spokane Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.1:30 PM shotgun start at Indian Canyon. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation; $100/person, $400/team. To register, contact 458.2679 or jillian@nwwishes.org.
25 July: Make-A-Wish Golf Tournament at Priest Lake. Register before 30 June: $125/person. Dinner tickets are $25/person. To register, contact 458.2679 or jillian@nwwishes.org.
10 September: Spokane Symphony Annual "Summer Soiree Wine Tasting at Beacon Hill" including 35 wines, food, and live music. $35/person. Contact Char Thompson Wyatt at 458.8733 or charwyatt@spokanesymphony.org.

Send updates to lfinney@leadershipspokane.org.

Leadership Thought

"I recognize the importance of everyone getting involved in our community to ensure that it stays healthy. Each of us has different gifts, skills, knowledge, and connections to redeem back to the community. My goal is to apply mine where it makes sense and can be of benefit, and encourage others to do the same."

- Tami Kennedy, Class of 2008
Bargreen Ellingson

Volume 6, Issue 5

In This Issue

Leadership: Service to Something Great

Message from the Chair

Spokane Students Get Excited about Engineering

Graduation: Community Leadership Day

Class Notes

Opportunities for Education, Volunteering and Having Fun