Cape residents learn leadership skills during weeklong class

"One generation plants the tree, the other gets the shade." That was one of many ideas analyzed at the River Corridor Connections Leadership Academy on Monday night.

The weeklong class, which is supported by the United Way of Southeast Missouri, is held at the House of Prayer on North Sprigg Street and focuses on a variety of issues, including self-improvement, budgeting and communication.

When Shelly Moore, volunteer director with River Corridor Connections, spoke to the crowd of about 40 people Monday night, she focused on being a better leader to inspire younger generations.

"It is up to you to plant the tree," she told the class. "You are the generation that plants. You are the leader, the guide."

There is a raised level of concern for younger generations, Moore said, because graduation rates are on a downward trend. She said one of the goals of the class is to inspire each person to communicate better with their families and work to help their children achieve goals.

"If we can get to the parents, we can reach out and impact families," Moore said. "And if we can impact families, maybe we can impact the community."

Each person attending class Monday night had an opportunity to share stories about the difficulty of being a good leader and parent for their children. A common question was, "What more can I do?"

Moore said this idea of focusing on group discussion is less traditional, but for a good reason.

"This class doesn't go by the traditional curriculum because that doesn't work," she said. "These people are understanding more about life from a different perspective."

By allowing each person to share his or her personal stories, Moore said people attending the class can learn from the experience of others and be more confident knowing they're not alone.

For Tonya Bland, the opportunity to connect with more of her neighbors was what she appreciated most about the class. Many parents, especially single parents, don't feel that they have anyone to turn to when they have problems with their children, Bland said, but programs like Leadership Academy could change that.

"If we can come together like this as a community and share things like this, maybe we won't be afraid of our neighbors," she said.

Bland also said she planned to attend class "every day this week."

The next Leadership Academy series begins in April. Those who wish to register may contact Moore at 334-9260 or smoore002@charter.net.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

13 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.