Coming from all parts of the state, elementary and middle school students had the opportunity to attend the second annual “Step Up and Lead” conference series. A joint effort of Georgia 4-H and the Georgia Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, “Step Up and Lead” conferences focuses on cultivating leadership skills in elementary and middle school students while providing adult leaders with a framework for engaging these students when they return to school. With conferences held at three University of Georgia centers in Dahlonega, Eatonton, and Tifton in early March, youth from all parts of the state were able to participate in interactive activities designed by youth development professionals.

“Step Up and Lead” Conferences feature motivational speakers and exciting, interactive workshops. Workshops are designed to engage and empower youth in future leadership initiatives. These three sessions focused on Team Building and Cooperation, Planning and Organizing, and Building Communication Skills. “I learned a lot about public speaking,” one student said. “I was afraid of talking in front of even a few people before now, but I now I think I could talk in front of a thousand!”

Georgia 4-H is part of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension program and exists to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society. The Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals (GAESP) and Georgia Association of Middle School Principals (GAMSP) exist as a part of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL), which provides unity of school leadership groups in Georgia. For more information about this partnership and “Step Up and Lead” conferences, visit www.georgia4h.org/gaesp/ or contact Jeff Buckley at 706-542-4444 or jbuckley@uga.edu.

Schools participating in the second annual “Step Up & Lead” conference series were: