Youth leaders to converge on USQ

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Around 300 student leaders from high schools across Toowoomba and the South West Region will meet at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) to take part in the fifth Youth Leadership Programme on Friday, 27 February 2009.

Students from schools in Toowoomba, west to Charleville, south to Stanthorpe and east to the Lockyer Valley will convene for a series of seminars which are designed to inspire and build their proficiency as school leaders.

Coordinator of the program, Education Lecturer Susan Morgan, said the conference aims to encourage delegates to think about how to fulfil their roles and get the most out of opportunities they will encounter during their year of school leadership.

'Learning what characteristics are evident in an effective leader and hearing from inspirational leaders allows the students to begin to shape their understanding of leadership,' Ms Morgan said.

Dynamic speaker Dr John Dickson will present the keynote address entitled: Humility and Leadership: Paradox or Possibility in the morning.

Specialising in the big ideas that have shaped our world and inspired men and women to achieve their highest, John's journey has been an eclectic one: from fulltime musician to professional speaker, author, historian, TV presenter and director of a multi-media think tank.

A much sought after public speaker John delivers over 100 talks a year in a wide range of contexts, including corporations, conferences, churches, pubs and universities.

Students attending the Youth Leadership Programme will also participate in a forum with three past school leaders who are now leaders in their own fields.

'This session is always popular with students as they can see how these people have travelled from being leaders at school to leaders in the workforce and wider community.

'They learn what it takes to be a good leader and skills and strategies to help them balance pressures of their roles and develop their own leadership style.

'Students will also have an informative and entertaining presentation from local acting and theatre personality Robert Ketton about public speaking skills and the day will wrap up with a focused session on how they can apply what they have learnt to their own school context.'

The Youth Leadership Programme will be held in the Allison Dickson lecture theatre (H102) at USQ. The day starts at 9am and concludes at 4pm.

Media are welcome to attend the event.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559