Colorado State Extension – Larimer County hosts Colorado Family Leadership Training Institute

Applications for the 2014 Larimer County Class of the Colorado Family Leadership Training Institute are now being accepted. For the fifth year, Colorado State Extension – Larimer County is hosting an FLTI class.

FLTI is 20 week training program focused on developing leadership skills, civic literacy and civic participation skills. FLTI is based on the premise that family members are the best advocates for children and families in communities. Community leaders including parents, youth, and family members, can be effective when they speak out on issues and inform policymakers, the media and the community, about the needs of their members.

“FLTI has provided me with the confidence I needed to reach out to my community to effect positive change at a level I did not think possible,” said 2013 graduate Margaret Watson.

Each year this opportunity is offered to 25 participants who are screened and selected based on their availability and readiness to become effective change agents on behalf of children, youth and families. Previous FLTI classes have included a cross-section of people, including young adults, grandparents, single moms and dads, couples, those with community leadership experience and those who are just beginning the journey of civic engagement. Selected participants will come together over the 20 weeks of training which includes:

· All day retreats on Jan. 11 and April 5.
· Two 10-week series of sessions on Thursday evenings that focus on knowledge about the change process, skill building and tools of civic engagement.
· A day at the State capitol to learn the inner workings of government on April 17.
· The development of a personal community project based on personal passion.

FLTI is offered at no cost to participants and in exchange, participants give the commitment of time reflected in class attendance and a written community project. If FLTI is the right opportunity for you, apply on-line at www.coloradofamilyleadership.com.

For more information, or to request a hard copy application to participate in this exciting program, contact Jacque Miller at 970-498-6014 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Application deadline is Dec. 2.