By Anthony Butler
Associate Director of Leadership and Community Engagement
University of Baltimore Campus Liaison
for Baltimore Collegetown LeaderShape
I didn’t know what was in store for me when I reported for duty in August 2011 as a LeaderShape Cluster Facilitator. I was only in my second year as a Campus Liaison for Baltimore Collegetown LeaderShape, supporting students in their visions. I applied to become a Cluster Facilitator because I felt I couldn’t really help students with their vision work if I didn’t understand the process of LeaderShape, so I knew I would need to experience it first hand.
My week at LeaderShape was life-changing. I met students from all over the Baltimore region – from more than eight different colleges and Universities. My family cluster, the “Chill Bees” (pictured above) represented students from Loyola University, Stevenson University, Maryland Institute College of Art, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Morgan State University. They were a diverse group in many ways, including their approach for creating positive change in Baltimore. We had amazing, deep, and throught-provoking conversations that week, and built strong connections within our group and among all of the participants.
Nearly five years later, many of us still stay in touch. These “LeaderShapers,” as they are called, are working here in Baltimore and internationally. They are working in government, humanitarian aid, civic engagement, arts, and business. And they are just a few of the many students who participate in Baltimore Collegetown LeaderShape each year.
Each participant emerges from Baltimore Collegetown LeaderShape with their own powerful vision for transformation and change in Baltimore. This vision is unique to each student and is realized in many different ways. I am consistently amazed by the creativity and passion and care for community that each of these LeaderShapers possesses.
LeaderShape is more than just a week of leadership development. It is a year-long (and some would say life-long) process to realize your vision and make a difference in Baltimore and beyond.
Participating in LeaderShape is a serious commitment. Not only must you participate in the week-long institute in August, but you must attend retreats, follow-up meeting, and service activities. While that’s a significant investment of time, the personal and professional benefits – the communities you will serve, the people you will meet, and the life changing experience you will have – make that time well spent.
Now here is the really good news: LeaderShape is a free program for UB students! A deposit paid to Baltimore Collegetown Network will secure your participation, but is returned to you if you fully participate.
The application deadline for Baltimore Collegetown LeaderShape is March 11. Applications are competitive and slots are limited.
We hope you’ll consider joining the growing LeaderShape family and making a difference in your lives and in Baltimore.
For more info and to apply, please visit
http://baltimorecollegetown.org/collegetown-leadershape/
