The Future Foundation's Youth Leadership Program has announced its 2011 - 2012 schedule. This year's participants will get first hand introductions to public and private organizations with a central role in the life of our community. From government and law enforcement to business and education, community leaders have stepped forward to provide an inside-the-scenes look at how they conduct business and the benefits they provide to the community. It is a great opportunity for teens to gain special insight into the organizations they themselves might want to be a part of in the future. Here is the schedule:
Wednesday, November 16, 2011, Leadership Orientation
4:00 p.m. Thousand Oaks Civics Arts Plaza- Scherr Forum Theater, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.,
Thousand Oaks
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 Law Enforcement
4:00 p.m. Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station 27050 Agoura Road, Calabasas
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Business
4:00 p.m. Four Seasons Hotel, Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Leadership/Public Speaking
4:00 p.m. Toastmasters, Westlake Village City Hall (Community Room),
Westlake Village
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Education
4:00 p.m. California Lutheran University, Meeting location-to be announced
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Health Services
4:00 p.m. Los Robles Medical Center, 215 West Janss Road, Thousand Oaks
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Parks and Recreation
4:00 p.m. Calabasas Parks and Recreation, Meeting location-to be announced
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Human Services
4:00 p.m. Agoura Hills Animal Shelter, 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 City Government
4:00 p.m. Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 Wrap-Up and Kiwanis Dinner,
Meeting time & location-to be announced
The 2011 - 2012 Youth Congress Leadership program got underway with an orientation meeting at the Scherr Forum Theater in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Javier LaFianza, president and chief executive officer of Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, spoke about the qualities of leadership and stressed that the youth of America are “not just the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today.” He reminded the students that “leadership requires action, not just talking about it or holding a leadership title” and shared examples of HOBY alumni who have “impacted lives and communities in a very positive way” by following their passion and a commitment to service. 
