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Leaders in Training commemorates 40 years

Past and present participants invited to an evening of celebration

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed August 10, 2022 10:35 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo, Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture is commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the LIT (Leaders in Training) Program with a celebration. This event recognizes past and present participants and the history of this youth leadership program while acknowledging and awarding current participants for their outstanding work throughout the community. The celebration event will be held on Friday, August 19, 5:30-9 pm (doors open at 5 pm) in the Beban Park Social Centre. Throughout the event, they will look back at the 40 years of the program and the impact that it has had both on participants and the citizens in the City.

Since 1982, the LIT program has given youth a purpose and a voice, provided valuable leadership training opportunities and has strengthened their connection to the community. In addition, participants have gained important skills that have led to employment in various recreation fields or helped to find career paths in other areas. Past and present participants are quick to testify of the many skills they gained, helping them throughout their lives, as well as fostering life-long friendships that they enjoy.

Quest, the second level of our Youth Leadership program (and the continuation of LIT), began in 1996. Over the years, LIT participants have contributed over 225,000 volunteer hours to the community of Nanaimo. The LITs volunteer across the City in daycamps, special events, community involvement projects, sport/art/preschool programs, as well as attending specialized workshops.

Workshops within the LIT and Quest program include topics in diverse abilities, financial literacy, concussion awareness, drug awareness, resume writing and interview preparation. Volunteer placements in 2022 included summer camps (both for the City of Nanaimo and other organizations), special events (Silly Boat Regatta, Dragon Boat Festival, Bathtub Weekend, The Thursday Night Market and the VIEX) and opportunities to work with seniors.

Past participants who would like to attend the celebration evening on August 19 are asked to RSVP by August 15 by emailing emily.hoppe@nanaimo.ca or calling Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200.

Link to Strategic Plan: Creating Opportunities for Youth to connect with their community, gain valuable work experience and workplace skills, while growing as individuals into the leaders of tomorrow.

Key Points

  • The City of Nanaimo is commemorating 40 years of the Leaders in Training program.
  • A celebratory event will be held on Friday, August 19 starting at 5 pm. This event will recognize the program's impact on the participants and the community with lots of food and activities.
  • The Leaders in Training program provides Nanaimo youth with leadership, resume writing, interview preparation and other important skills.

Quotes

"Our LIT (Leaders in Training) program is celebrating 40 years which is very unique for a recreation program. Since 1982, the LIT volunteers have assisted at a variety of Nanaimo events and have gained valuable skills helping them gain employment and make life-long career choices. Leadership, self-confidence and life-long friendships are just a few of the many benefits participants report from taking part in this youth program. It ignites passion within them for their own development and for their community. We are so grateful for the support from our community partners, the staff who mentor the LIT's and the youth themselves - they make this program truly something special!"

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

Images

Leaders in Training participants celebrating the 40th year of the program.
Leaders in Training participants celebrating the 40th year of the program.
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Contact:

Media Enquiries
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251

Print News Release

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