The purpose of the YCP Leadership Program is to build capacity in the sector by helping the next generation of leaders to “step-up.” In 2014, I was accepted into the program along with 14 peers from environmental non-profits and conservation authorities across the province – some coming from as far away as Sault Ste. Marie in the north, and Alexandria (near Ottawa) in the east.
In March, June and October, we ventured up to Kimbercote Farm in beautiful Beaver Valley for three-day retreats, where we had a mix of whole-group instruction, team-based learning, and individual reflection to build our leadership skills. At these retreats, we learned about different leadership styles, goal setting, and personal productivity, we found out how to achieve work-life balance by “sharpening the saw” and we honed our professional and personal visions to guide us as we moved forward in our careers and our lives.
Throughout the year, we also had the opportunity to attend skill-building workshops in various locations with experienced environmental professionals. We learned about grant writing, environmental policy, conflict and collaboration and program evaluation, among other things. We were also able to bring along a co-worker to each of these workshops, further extending the impact of this great professional development opportunity throughout our organizations.
But perhaps even more important than the formal training we received was the opportunity to build our professional network. Through working together at retreats, sharing our hopes and dreams, discussing our challenges and fears, and, perhaps most importantly, cooking together, chatting around the campfire, and playing rousing games of sardines and spoons during the evening hours, I came away from the program with a great new group of friends whom I can call on for advice, encouragement or a listening ear.
We graduated from the program at the Latornell Conservation Symposium on November 19th, 2014. Our co-valedictorians, Diana from Toronto Botanical Garden and Josh from Ontario Nature, delivered a great speech that perfectly articulated the uniqueness of the experience that is YCP.
While it was sad to see our exciting year together come to a close, I have many fond memories to reflect on. I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to participate in this program, and am thankful for all that I have learned from my co-YCPers and from Peter Mitchell and Andrew Kett, our fearless leaders.
If you’re interesting in finding out more about the program, visit https://ycpleadership.ca/. Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 program. The deadline is February 13th, 2015. The Program is based out of the University of Guelph Centre for Land and Water Stewardship, and generously supported by the A.D. Latornell Endowment Fund.
Melissa Williams is LEAF's Residential Planting Program Manager.