This year the Jackson Grown Leader Fellowship seeks to clarify the hazy, popularized concept of leadership. Is being a leader defined by the collecting of boy or girl scout badges, graduation medals, or Board Memberships? Or, is being a leader investing significantly in the service of others wherever, whenever, however and to whatever extent he or she is called? In the coming year, the program will continue to prioritize that which is hard as opposed to that which is popular or easy.

During our final meeting before Challenge to the City, the fellows participated in a full trial run of their speeches, practicing their presentations in front of the group. After each student presented, their peers completed a detailed evaluation form offering constructive feedback and encouragement. These thoughtful evaluations were carefully collected and shared with each speaker afterward, providing valuable insights to help them refine their delivery and prepare for the big event. The practice session allowed students to build confidence and perfect their skills.

The Jackson Grown Leader Fellowship has taken a bold step to develop high quality co-leadership at all levels of the community. It has asked high school students to learn, listen and lead. It has asked the community to learn, listen and lead with them. It has asked both to help and hear one another.

April 11, 2023

Thinking about this at a macro level may show the scope of the problem, but considering it by individual case  emphasizes its severity. Victims of abuse endure intense difficulty and are left to live with its  considerable consequences. Life becomes a journey of overcoming your past and healing from  something unjustly received, constantly aware of the odds stacked against you to thrive. 

May 3, 2023