For immediate release
March 1, 2000

Students and agencies network at
Leadership for Tomorrow conference

    Leadership for Tomorrow is a one day youth conference focussing on student leadership in volunteering within the community. Over 200 students from each high school community within the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board will participate in this high-energy conference on Tuesday, March 7, in Belleville. Agencies from Quinte West, Prince Edward County, North Hastings, Centre Hastings and Quinte communities will also participate.
    The conference was organized by a team from the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, United Way and Volunteer & Information Quinte, to provide an opportunity for student leaders to network with students from other secondary schools and with agency representatives from their school communities. The focus is how student leaders in each secondary school can play a key role in the communication and co-ordination process of student volunteering in partnership with community agencies.
    Keynote speaker and facilitator, Donna Messer, is presenting an interactive morning address to students entitled, "Dreams Can Come True". It will help students to identify their skills, develop planning strategies, and practise effective networking. The afternoon features a keynote address, by Messer, to students and agency representatives, followed by breakout sessions in which students from each high school group will work with agencies from their own school community.
    Preparatory sessions were already held with student leaders in each secondary school and 65 agencies throughout Hastings and Prince Edward. Follow-up sessions are also planned in each of the high schools as student leadership teams develop strategies to promote student volunteering in their community.
    Volunteer Canada developed workbooks for use by students, parents and agencies. The student workbook is designed to help youth identify their interests and skills, find the right opportunity, and assess how each opportunity may align with their future goals. The parent workbook is designed to allow parents to play a helping and supportive role. The third guide contains useful information which supports student volunteering from a facilitator's or agency's viewpoint. These resources will be introduced and distributed at the conference and are available, free of charge, at Volunteer & Information Quinte in Century Place or by calling 969-8862.
    At the conference, a new website developed by Volunteer Canada and Manulife, will be rolled out. The "Volunteer Opportunities Exchange" website, found at www.voe-reb.org , links those who want to volunteer with agencies looking for volunteers. Agencies are encouraged to post their opportunities, and students to post their profiles.
    The organizations appreciate the support of community sponsors including Clarica, Paul M. Reid Insurance, Proctor & Gamble Inc., LaPalm Moving, Market High, McDonald's Restaurant and Crystal Springs.
    This unique and exciting initiative which will benefit students of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and our communities. Students and agencies can expect a high energy, positive and rewarding experience on March 7!
 

For more information contact:
Heather Candler, Volunteer & Information Quinte - 969-8862