Summer Archives

Alyssa Champagne - Leadership Sevier

This summer, I spent eight weeks in my hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee working alongside Leadership Sevier, a non-profit organization that works to develop leaders and strengthen their knowledge and understanding of relevant issues that exist within the community. Through this summer leadership program, members are challenged to become more committed and motivated to the community within Sevier County while being exposed to some of the most pressing community issues. Leadership Sevier was founded in 1997 and has expressed the same mission statement since: to introduce, inform, inspire, and involve. The leadership course aims to encourage philanthropic support among members, encourage greater cooperation through personal networking systems, and provide opportunities for personal growth and development. Within these monthly sessions, each annual class of approximately 40 members, from various backgrounds and careers, visit some of the most crucial community entities such as the Juvenile Detention Center, Sevier County Special Education, and Sevier County Department of Health, amongst various others.

 

During my time with Leadership Sevier, my main objectives after speaking with the director were to broaden communication networks and work on developing a background curriculum for the members of each class. Specifically, in working to broaden communication networks, I spoke with numerous community members. I coordinated videography to film interviews with community members involved in the program to capture their love of the organization. Additionally, I worked alongside the office’s secretary in inputting members into the Leadership Sevier databases so active members would have access to the resources Leadership Sevier has to offer. One of my favorite items I worked on was partnering with the director to develop a background curriculum for members before they engage in the community with other non-profit organizations. This curriculum is important for leadership development and growth among the members involved in each class.

 

As the site for my summer project Leadership Sevier  is very near and dear to my heart. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences as well as the community exposure I received throughworking alongside the organization. Developing my summer project in my hometown was a special experience for me as I hope to give back to the community that has given so much to me.  I am particularly excited about the knowledge I gained regarding the ways in which my community can address relevant issues and build upon this philanthropic support for future generations.