Leadership Seminar

What is the Leadership Seminar? The MVUC Leadership Training Program is designed to “Serve Those Who Serve Others.” In existence since 2007, the program provides training, opportunities to learn from each other, and a venue to get to know others who care about MVUC and wish to contribute in a variety of ways. About 50 of us have completed a training session since the program began.

Who attends?

The short answer is, anyone who is interested in learning more about MVUC and anyone interested in improving their leadership skills, helping support better committees and meetings, and interested in networking with others who share these goals. As noted below, there are two different courses designed to meet different needs, but the differences do not preclude interested parties from attending either or both (as many have done) courses.

When is it conducted?

The program currently provides two courses annually, one in the Fall (normally in October) suitable for all, and one in the Spring (normally in May- June) , focused primarily on the needs of newly elected leaders (Board of Trustees, Program Council, and Nominating Committee), but also open to any who are interested. Additional course iterations may be scheduled as demand warrants and new courses are under consideration in response to recommendations from the congregation. THE NEXT COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED ON 4 and 5 JUNE 2010.

What is it like?

Both courses consist of a Friday evening session, including a team dinner, and a half day session on Saturday, breakfast included. Participants are expected to attend both sessions. A very modest read ahead package is provided several days before the course.  The program has a healthy mix of discussions, lecture, exercises, case studies, and more. The emphasis is on having fun and getting to know each other while learning to be better leaders.

How do I sign up and who do I contact?

Announcements will be widely circulated a few weeks before the next course, along with RSVP instructions. In the meantime, feel free to contact any of the Course Facilitators and let us know of your interest; we will be glad to put you on the attendance roster and will reconfirm with you when the course is ready to begin. Speak with any of the Course Facilitators listed below:

          Bill Clontz – bill@theclontz.net

Georgeta Pourchot – gpourchot@yahoo.com

Lincoln Cobb -   linkcobb@verizon.net

Ron Brandt –   ronbrandt@verizon.net

Tamara de la Camp – tamara.delacamp@vet-fed.com

What’s next? Next Session: June 4-5, 2010.

The proposed agenda for the June Leaders Seminar is below. 

The MVUC Leaders Seminar

Friday Evening, June 4, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Course Overview, Objectives – A short introduction to the program and what we hope to achieve together. The seminar is a mix of presentation, exercises, and discussion – we all learn from outside sources and from each other.

Team Dinner- Gourmet (well, maybe…) food, rare (OK, maybe not so rare) wine, good company and great conversation about MVUC and leadership. We are often joined by current and past MVUC leaders. What better way to start your Friday night?

Introductions – Getting to know each other, our experience in MVUC so far, what we hope to accomplish this weekend.

Leaders’ How To Guidelines- Ever wonder where the door keys are kept, how to unlock the piano, how to reserve a room, put an announcement in the Windmill, or a hundred other such questions? We’ll examine such questions and provide some answers – and make a game out of it.

Elected Positions Preparation- Those elected to the Board, the Program Council, or the Nominating Committee break off for detailed reviews on church governance and finances, and normally a small group discussion with current and past MVUC leaders.

How We Work Together (or don’t…) - The mysteries of MVUC revealed! This is a  review of our organization and relationships, authorities, and an introduction to our guiding documents such as bylaws, procedures, and charters, etc.

Resources for MVUC- More mysteries revealed! Learn how to read the church budget and how it is planned, how the Endowment Fund operates, what the Treasurer does, the role of the Stewardship Committee, and more.

Wrap Up, Questions, Discussion, Sing Out- A short review of the evening and what is coming on Saturday, questions and comments on the day, and out the door with a final song no later than 9:30 PM.

Saturday Morning, June 5,  8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Welcome, Refreshments, Sing In, and Introduction- Homemade pastries, high octane coffee – off to a good start!

Principles of Leadership- What works (and doesn't) in a voluntary association like MVUC. How to bring out the best in yourself and your group.

Effective Teams and Meetings- A short review of tips and techniques to make your meetings fun and productive for all.

Small Group Exercise – A Case Study – Sometimes we are faced with some real challenges and must do so with imperfect information and conflicting imperatives. We will work through such a scenario and talk about the resources and processes that can help bring about the best possible outcome.

Course Feedback and Graduation - A short discussion and feedback form on the value of this course and how it can be improved, followed by the now famous MVUC Leadership Seminar Graduation Ceremony, complete with pomp and circumstance, group photo, and graduation certificate! Out the door and on your way no later than 12:15.