The leadership programme is in its third year, following the development of a partnership with the Ireland Chamber of Commerce United States (ICCUSA) Foundation Inc in 2009. The programme recognises the innate leadership capabilities and potential in young people and gives them an opportunity to develop their skills and attributes in a fun and encouraging environment. The programme is for young people aged 15 - 18 who have demonstrated good leadership abilities and aspire to being leaders in the future.

Module one is facilitated over 15 sessions either over one year in a club or project or during a one week residential conference in Dublin and continues over the course of the year as participants return home and set about achieving their leadership goal. Module two can be undertaken by those who have completed module 1 and is available during the week long conference (though limited spaces are available) or at a local level over the course of the year in a club or project.  Leadership is the first of Foróige’s education programmes to be offered internationally, giving young people from all over the world the opportunity to meet people from a wide variety of cultures. To date young people from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, USA, UK, South Korea and Nigeria have taken part. 

The programme aims to:

 

• Enable young people to develop the skills, inspiration, vision, confidence and action plans to be effective leaders.
• Empower young people to make a positive difference to their society through the practice of effective leadership.

The programme uses group work and individual reflection, as well as practical projects to develop and expand leadership skills. Young people learn to look past themselves at their community and wider society when setting their leadership goals.

Module One introduces participants to the concepts of leadership and the core skills necessary to be a good leader. Participants devise a personal leadership goal and begin planning and working towards achieving this, alongside workshops focusing on communication skills, self awareness, values and team problem solving. To run module one in your club or project contact your local Foróige office. (map locator)

Download application form for Module One at the 2011 conference

Module Two builds on the learning from module one, with participants continuing to develop core competencies, while also working on a team project investigating local, community or global issues. Module two also covers conflict resolution, critical thinking and debating. To run module two in your club or project contact your local Foróige office. (map locator).
The annual conference is the highlight of the leadership year bringing together young people from all over the world and giving them the opportunity to experience a wide variety of cultures.

Download application form for Module Two at the 2011 conference

Advanced Module – If you have already completed module one and module two, either through the taught programme or at the conference you are eligible to apply for the advanced leadership module, which is accredited by the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Download application form for Advanced Module

Get involved!

Foróige will host the third Albert Schweitzer’s Leadership for Life Conference from the 25th to 29th of July 2011. There are 250 much sought after places available on the five day programme so get thinking about why you would make a good candidate. 

The Conference
So what’s it all about? Come along and you’ll get to meet like-minded young people from all over the world, hear motivational lectures from inspirational leaders from the worlds of sports, politics, non-profit, media, business, law enforcement and much more. You’ll also have an opportunity to voice your opinions, become involved in lively debate as well as improve your skills and gain valuable leadership tools and knowledge.
It won't be all work of course and there will be lots of time to unwind and have some fun. There will be activities and entertainment every evening, which will give all of our future leaders a chance to get to know each other and develop long lasting friendships.
If you know a young person who would benefit from the programme why not nominate them? Every application form has to be accompanied by a nomination letter.  Nomination forms can be found at the end of the application form.

Getting Started
To secure a place on the programme each applicant must complete a short application form stating why they would like a place on the programme. The application must be supported by a recommendation from an adult who has witnessed the leadership capabilities of the applicant. Often an adult volunteer or youth worker will recognise the potential of a young person before the young person themself. So, encourage members to get involved and reach their full potential. Even the best of leaders need a little encouragement every now and again!

Contact your local Foróige office today.

DOWNLOADS
Module 1 Application Form
Module 2 Application Form
Advanced Module Application Form
Leadership for Life Leaflet 2011