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Maryland Leadership Workshops ENews | www.mlw.org
September 2013
Greetings!

With wait lists for every program, it is no surprise that 2013 was a huge success. Our stellar staff of almost 70 people outdid themselves preparing dynamic workshops and integrating concepts and skills into activities throughout the program including committee work, group time and action planning.  We had over 330 delegates from almost every county in Maryland and students from near and far as well. The diversity of the student population and everyone's eagerness to share and learn is what makes the magic happen.

 

Plans are underway for 2014 and we look forward to seeing 2013 Delegates at the January reunion (SAIL).  All delegates past and present can stay in touch by sharing with us successes at school and in the community. Tell us how you use SMART goals, Feedback Sandwiches, and lessons from DIVERSITY in your life.  You can use our Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and now Instagram presence to share your stories and inspire others.

 

If you are a parent of a 2013 Delegate and have not yet done so, we welcome your feedback on the experience from your perspective.  Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts through our online MLW Parent Feedback survey. Delegate, staff, director, parent and evaluator feedback are all reviewed as we refine the program year to year.

 

As we close out this year and start prepping for 2014, please remember that MLW could not exist without your support. Tell your friends, teachers, elected officials what the experience has meant to you. Recruit others to attend in the future. Help support our scholarship fund with a tax deductible donation.  

 

MLW completed its 58th year of summer programs because of the belief we all share that every young person has the potential to make a positive difference in their schools and communities. Thank you for being a part of the magic.

2013 Summer Programs Highlights 
Program Highlights
Through our pre- and post-site surveys, we learn a lot about the impact of the program. Here are some highlights:
  • 334 Delegates completed one of the three core programs
  • 123 students were sponsored by outside organizations, usually Boards of Education; MLW provided scholarships to 66 students from around the state.
  • The gender mix was approximately 60% female and 40% male.  The racial diversity of our student population was the following: white 44%, Black/African American 32%, Hispanic 9%, Asian 9%, American Indian or Alaskan Native 4%.
  • Of those who responded, 12% participate in FARM programs, 4.3% receive ESOL/ELL services, 8.6% have an IEP.
  • An overwhelming number of respondents (97%) report that they are somewhat to very likely to be more compassionate and civil toward others after their experience at MLW.
  • When asked both pre- and post-site how likely the student would speak up to stop bullying, 'somewhat likely' and 'very likely' increased by approximately 20%.
  • Over 80% of respondents report feeling more prepared for college and life after college after participating at MLW.  Middle School students report feeling
    prepared for high school.
  • Students report an increased interest in getting involved in extracurricular activities at school and outside of school and assuming more leadership positions within those activities.

Among items on the leadership inventory, those seeing the most change were:

  • "I know strategies to help a diverse group reach its goal"
  • "I understand the concept of leadership"
Thank you SPONSORS
Each year, a number of students are sponsored by Local Education Authorities (Boards of Education), individual schools, and private entities.  Our sincere thanks to the following organizations:
  • Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils
    • Severna Park Middle School
  • Baltimore County Public Schools
  • Calvert County Public Schools
    • Patuxent High School
  • Board of Education of Caroline County
    • Colonel Richardson High School
  • Board of Education of Carroll County/CCSGA
    • Liberty High School
    • Manchester Valley High School
    • Century High School
    • Francis Scott Key High School
  • Cecil County Public Schools
  • Charles County Public Schools
  • Frederick High School (Frederick)
  • Urbana Middle School (Frederick)
  • Howard County Public Schools
    • River Hill High School
    • Hammond High School
  • Montgomery Village Middle School (Montgomery)
  • Paint Branch High School (Montgomery)
  • Prince George's County Public Schools
  • Queen Anne's Public Schools
  • St. Mary's Public Schools
  • Talbot County Public Schools
  • Washington County Public Schools
  • Worcester County Public Schools
  • Maryland Association of Student Councils
  • Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School
  • Mid Shore Community Foundation


In Their Own Words

"Because of this amazing opportunity I have come out of my shell and become the person I always wanted to be."

MSEL 13 Delegate

 

"The workshops really appeal to the [delegate] as a person and focus on providing the [delegate] with the tools to enhance their leadership skills."

SHW 13 Delegate
 
"It is funny to think this week has taken numerous months on your part to plan, but on my part it has affected my whole life as a whole. I've been truly amazed in how amazing the people on this earth are as caring, friendly and compassionate as your attendees and your staff made of truly remarkable people."
SHW 13 Delegate
 
Read more 2013 Delegate testimonials here.
Reality meets Practicum
As our most selective program suggests, the Advanced Leadership Seminar (ALS) is for delegates and staff who are poised to take on greater leadership challenges. The ALS program is often the incubator for great ideas that make their way into the Senior High and Middle School curricula as well.

Some of the #mlw13ALS crew during the field trip with CBF
For many years, ALS delegates have participated in a practicum during the week - a project that has impact outside the confines of the MLW program.   This year, delegates were charged with creating a partnership between MLW and The Chesapeake Bay Foundation to improve student environmental leadership.  
 
A trip to the Merrill Center gave delegates a hands on appreciation for the types of programs currently offered. By the end of the week, students had developed a plan for a new student outreach that is currently underway. Watch our Facebook page for information.


This real world experience is important for our Senior High (SHW) delegates as well and this year we continued the practice of putting the REAL into REALITY.  
Kill Killer Phrases
C.L.U.E. introduces Weight Before You Say and
 #Kill Killer Phrases

Button groups each had a specific project tied to a real world organization. Representatives from the organizations collaborated with staff pre-site to develop projects for our delegates and followed up with an on-site meeting in person or via phone or video conference.Throughout the week, delegates used concepts and skills gained in workshops to brainstorm, plan and implement presentations.  

Thank you to our terrific partner organizations for their involvement in REALITY:

Delegates pitch their idea to a CNN Executive Producer
Newsroom pitches their Under Pressure Student Forum idea to CNN via Skype.
                  • Kids Helping Hopkins
                  • American Rivers
                  • The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
                  • DoSomething.org
                  • Student Voice
                  • University of Maryland Department of Resident Life/Office of Student Conduct
                  • CNN
  

Overall, it was a tremendous opportunity for students to engage in real world issues and gain valuable experience.
Middle School Community Service Project
The finished product
Members of the Community Service Committee display part of the final project.
Huge props go to the Middle School Experience in Leadership (MSEL) Community Service Committee.  They used their knowledge of group dynamics and skills like project planning to find a project all the #mlw13msel delegates could complete together. 
 
Throughout the week they
 planned for the end of the week project. On Friday, everyone came by to add their special touch to a banner and greeting cards that will be sent to The Johns Hopkins Children Center.

Thanks for this wonderful well-planned and executed project and the outpouring of support for others in need.
Student Service Learning 
Whether you attended MSEL, SHW or ALS, all programs have components that are eligible for Student Service Learning Hours*.  Committee work that directly benefits the week-long program, community service projects, and the Reality and Practicum sessions all qualify.  Be sure to complete your school's form and send it with a self-addressed, stamped envelop to the MLW office. We will add our information and return it to you.
 
* Check with your school SSL coordinator/advisor as specific rules vary by district.
MLW Program Committee
The MLW Program Committee is made up of eight dedicated staff members who meet monthly to improve our programs.  They oversee the application and selection process of directors, assist with new staff recruitment and help with training and program implementation.  Each Fall, new student members are selected for a one-year term and new general members are elected for a three-year term.

Members of the MLW Active Staff (those people who have staffed a program within the last two years) are eligible to vote.  The new Program Committee members will be announced at the Board of Directors meeting on October 11.

Thank you to our outgoing Program Committee members Barrie Moorman, Lauren Hansen Lee, Emily Peterson and Kenny Wise. Your passion for MLW and continued service to make the organization strong is much appreciated.
Community Outreach Programs

Did you know MLW takes its curriculum to the community through our Community Outreach Programs.  Staff work with a client to develop a tailored program to meet specific needs.  Whether you a student government association, a youth group, or a community interested in engaging young people, MLW Community Outreach Programs can inspire and empower participants to achieve their goals.

 

If you are interested in having MLW staff come to your community to provide a customized MLW program, contact the MLW office to find out more.

The 2013 Summer and Community Outreach Programs had an impact on all those who came in contact with them.  Thank you again to our sponsors, parents, staff, alumni and parents who make it all possible.  And most of all, thanks to the 500+ incredible, smart, fun, thoughtful, and inspiring students who chose to spend time with us this year. We hope to see you again soon.

 

Sincerely,
Ilaya Signature
Ilaya Hopkins
Executive Director

2013 SHW Delegates and Staff; click on the photo for info on how to order copies
In This Issue
Quick Links
You Can Make the Magic Happen 

You can help make the MLW magic possible for a Maryland Student.

 

MLW is committed to making our programs available to anyone interested in attending, regardless of ability to pay the tuition.  MLW has established a scholarship fund to make this possible.  

 

 Please do your part to keep the scholarship fund going to spread the magic!  Your contribution of $10 buys a tshirt, $50 provides a guidebook, and $1,200 covers the full costs of the program. 

 

That's right - currently MLW only charges approximately 2/3 the cost of the program thanks to generous donations from grants and individuals like you! Thank you for your support!

Important Dates
calendar

 
 
February 1 - MLW Staff Applications due
 
March 15 - Early Bird Deadline
 
March 15 - MLW Scholarship Application Deadline
 
March 26-28 - MASC Convention, Ocean City
 
June 1 - Registration deadline MSEL, SHW, ALS
ALL FORMS DUE

June 22 - 25 - LEAD, Leadership Southern Maryland

July 13 - 19 - ALS

July 13 - 19 - Journey, Women's Giving Circle of Howard County

July 20 - 26 - MSEL

July 27 - August 2 - SHW

August tbd - MASC Advance

MLW Board of Directors
Executive Committee

 

Eliot Pfanstiehl,

Chair

President and CEO, Strathmore Hall

 

Sean M. Looney,

Vice Chair

Vice President, State Government Affairs, Comcast

 

Katherine Getty, Treasurer

Managing Director, Susquehanna Bank

 

Kim Coble,

Secretary

ERP VP, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Inc.

 

Dustin Jeter

Chair, Program Committee

Teacher, Montgomery County Public Schools

 

Ilaya R. Hopkins

Executive Director

 

Board of Directors

 

John Cammack

Cammack and Associates

 

Larry Culleen

Partner, Arnold and Porter

 

Lloyd Etheredge

Project Director, Policy Sciences Center

 

Holly B. Huntley

Client Services Director, LMD

 

Thomas Jarboe

COO, Technology Security Associates

 

Rose Krasnow

Division Chief, M-NCPPC

 

Marcy Leonard,

Principal, Howard County Public Schools

 

Nancy Minieri

President, Leadership Maryland

 

Ann Misback

Alumna

 

Betty Morgan

Morgan Education Group

 

Moses Pounds

Alumnus and Parent

 

Susan C. Simmons

Director, Caroline County Recreation & Parks

 

Cathleen Vitale

Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates

 

Betty Weller

President, Maryland State Education Association

 

MLW Program Committee
Dustin Jeter, Chair
Jackie Fludd, Vice Chair
Zack Jamison
Kea McKoy
Lauren Lee
Barrie Moorman
Emily Petersen, Student Member
Kenny Wise, Student Member
MLW in the NEWS
From The Gazette of Politics and Business 

"Maryland Leadership Workshops Builds Skills, Confidence, and Friendships"  

 MLW and P90X? Creative, right?
Thanks to MLW Alumni Staff member Alli Goozh, you can support MLW while getting in shape with Team Beach Body.  Use the link below and 25% of every purchase comes to MLW! 
 
It's a win-win for you and MLW!  
  • Do you P90X?
  • Are you conquering Insanity?
  • Thought about trying Shakeology?

MLW now earns money every time you buy your favorite Beachbody workouts and nutrition through www.teambeachbody.com/SupportMLW.  

Be sure to takeadvantage of free support and consultations with our dedicated fundraiser organizer, Alli Goozh! Call or email her with questions anytime.
Maryland Leadership Workshops | 301-444-8623 | ilaya@mlw.org | http://www.mlw.org
PO Box 1792
Germantown, MD 20875
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Students Aligned in Leadership

mlw 2013 small
SAIL with MLW on January 4, 2014
 
Captain's Coming and we hope you will too!! Join staff members and #mlw13groups on Saturday afternoon at the North Laurel Community Center in Laurel, Maryland (Howard County).  

Reconnect and share your stories. Hear about upcoming programs and ways to stay involved.  There will also be a separate track for parents who wish to stay for the afternoon.

An email invitation with more details will be sent later in the fall. Mark your calendars now so you can be there!