Sessions

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Session Overview

Kick-off Retreat:

To facilitate the intense discussion and interaction we expect from program participants, we must allow them to develop a mutual respect and connection with each other.  The program emphasizes teamwork, and the orientation session focuses on recognizing individual leadership abilities and their application in a team environment.

Quality of Life:

This session bridges the Kick-off retreat with the framework for the rest of the year. A trip to Westwego kicks off the first official session of the year. The day’s focus includes, but is not limited to, the elements that improve the quality of life/quality of place.

Economic Development:

A bright and healthy future for Jefferson Parish rests on the area’s economic development.  By introducing participants to the major players in the Parish’s development (like JEDCO and GNO, Inc), the program successfully makes a large concept an understandable subject.

Healthcare:

Healthcare is crucial to the quality of life in Jefferson Parish. The session will seek to identify the key concerns our region is facing (i.e. reimbursements) and participants will be asked to give their solutions to a snowballing problem.

Government:

A major challenge every community faces is trying to inform citizens about government.  Many perceive the political structure to be complicated and beyond their reach; the program works to give the participants an up close look at our parish’s political structure to demystify and educate everyone on local government. The highlight of the day is when participants are able to take a jail tour and see what life is really like behind bars.

Education:

Historically, a panel is invited to field questions by participants on the growing concern of our national educational system and how new bills/laws will affect us locally (A visit to Archbishop Chapelle High and Alfred Bonnabel High round out the day). We take a look at all of the types of educational systems we provide in Jefferson parish – private, public, parochial and the newly added charter school.

Diversity:

Participants spend the day – Building a shared understanding of what “diversity” and “inclusion” should mean within the context of workplace objectives; Creating awareness of their personal knowledge, understanding, acceptance, and behavior with reference to diversity; Expanding their knowledge of facts surrounding perceptions that create misconceptions.

Community Involvement:

Past Alumni are invited back to share their personal stories of what they are doing in the community. This session is focused on LJ’s “call to action” to get involved. Presentations from local volunteer agencies and other opportunities are discussed during this session.

Closing Retreat:

A compilation of all of the sessions and what “stuck out” the most to each participant is reviewed. This is the final session before graduation.

Graduation:

Program participants will gather for the final event, their graduation, for dinner and a ceremony commemorating the learning experiences and friendships they have made.