While leadership internships are unique opportunities for providing youth with experience and exposure, preparation is essential. Therefore, developing and delivering a series of seminars on internships is suggested. To assist you, this article recommends relevant subjects to cover in the sessions. Youth will gain vital information and increase their confidence.

Seminar Topics

* Etiquette

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This article provides a list of the types of organizations to consider when establishing partnerships for youth leadership internships. The goal is to offer a variety of projects in different industries. Remember to explore partnerships with contacts you already have and to survey the interests of youth.

* Government

The government is a vast resource for contacts and partnerships; some agencies offer paid internships and part-time employment. Gather information on city, county, state, and federal agencies. Go on the Internet, or contact the departments that interest you via telephone and request brochures.

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If you are looking for a successful model of youth leadership training, study Boys Town. Here are some of the lessons learned from a man who was ahead of his time.

Father Flanagan created opportunities for youth to gain leadership experience.
Youth served as elected officials; a mayor and a team of commissioners governed Boys Town. He acted as an advisor to the leaders. Aside from this, the security patrol consisted of youth, and the teens managed the post office. It is amazing that Boys Town had its own United States Post Office.

Father Flanagan prepared the boys to lead.
Boys attended school and enrolled in vocational training. The young men were trained to operate the various departments (printing, farming, food service, journalism, carpentry, barber shop, transportation, etc.). As a result, the boys developed key skills and improved their self esteem. In addition, they learned how to be better people.

Father Flanagan led by example.
This relentless leader practiced what he preached. He did not ask the youth to do anything that he would not do himself. In essence, he modeled the behaviors that he desired to see in the boys.

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