Leadership Porterville teaches skills for effective community involvement

Thursday afternoon found representatives from the Leadership Porterville program out on a tour of the Sequoia Medical Center on Putnam Avenue.

After receiving a tour of the facility and hearing about what the future holds for the center, the group sat down with some of the medical center’s staff to explain what the Leadership Porterville program is all about.

“What the program is, is we have different organizations throughout the city who have asked someone in their organization to be a part of Leadership Porterville,” said Irene Ortega, a member of the Leadership Porterville board and Communication and Community Engagement Officer for Burton School District. “They see something in them that they feel is an up-and-coming leader or are already a leader, and getting them out in the community to begin to network and learn more about our community like how our organizations can bridge with the community and work together.”

The Leadership Porterville program is a nine month program that holds themed day sessions and one evening session throughout each month that focus on organizations in all different aspects of the community such as health, agriculture, and government.

“Non-profits come and speak,” said Ortega. “We do personality [exercises] and learn how we can work together as a

group.”

The program also features a group project. At this time, the program’s group project is putting together care packages for those who need them. The group project is a way to address a need that is seen in the community.

The application process for Leadership Porterville is open to those who are committed to community service and value making a difference in the community. This program offers a valuable yet challenging journey to those eager to step foot into a leadership role.

“This is a good way to get to know the community better,” Ortega said.

To learn more about the Leadership Porterville program and their application process, visit their website at www.leadershipporterville.org.

RECORDER PHOTO BY ALEXIS ESPINOZA Members of Leadership Porterville sit around a conference table at Sequoia Medical Center Thursday, Jan. 10 to hear about their current activities.