Today is our first full day of programming for MLW Summer 2017! Our three smaller programs, Advanced Leadership Seminar (ALS), Bridge, and Journey are in full swing and we’ve never seen groups bond so quickly! Fast friendships have already been made.
SUNDAY
After saying good-by to family , delegates went on a tour of campus with their staff members, ended up in their creatively decorated group rooms, and played ice-breaker games. Each program then had their first round of workshops:
ALS – Public Speaking Delegates reviewed effective strategies for delivering speeches as well as managing meetings and other interactive spaces. they also reflected on their personal challenges with public speaking and identified opportunities throughout the week where they could practice and provide one another with feedback to improve their skills. 
Pictured above – ALS Delegates at Morning Sing
Bridge – Self, Expression, and Identity with Michael and Steph. Delegates identified components of self and identity, recognized various modes of self-expression, related authenticity to self and identity, and discussed obstacles to authentic self-expression and their sources.
Pictured above – Bridge delegates in their first workshop
Journey – What Does It Mean To Be A Female Leader? with Alison. Delegates examined the characteristics of leaders that they know and know of, recognized the development of women’s social and political rights throughout American History, identified challenges that women may face when taking on leadership roles, and discussed possible strategies to overcome the adversity that women face.
Pictured above – Journey delegates in their third workshop
Bridge and ALS delegates were introduced to their practicum concept:
ALS – Delegates are partnering with Baltimore Corps, a social impact organization focused on a citywide approach to equity and racial justice. ALS delegates will be investigating four challenges currently facing Baltimore and will design integrated solutions to these issues. They will then make recommendations for entities like the City Council and the Board of Education.
Bridge – Delegates are being tasked with creating an event that tells the story of their generation using creative self-expression. They will be asked to think about the biggest challenges facing their generation, what events have defined them, what issues/causes are important to their peer group, and more.
Our evening activity is an MLW “first night” tradition called Visions. Staff share a poem, song lyric, or other quote that is meaningful to them personally and also serves as a way for the delegates to learn more about them.
MONDAY
ALS
- Workshop – SPARKS with Jessica and Nia: Delegates explored what gives them their “spark” – joy, energy, purpose, and direction. They identified what obstacles can dampen their spark, and what best nourishes it.
- Evening Activity – our version of “Minute to Win It” games.
- Small group coaching (what we call “Tuning”), team building activities, and more time spent on Practicum filled the rest of the day.
Bridge
- Workshop – The Power of a Platform with Breana and Tres: Delegates learned about the benefits of an online platform, learned how to identify media bias, and developed online leadership and communication skills
- Evening Activity – staff members shared their talents via mini-workshops on playing the drums, yoga, and dance.
- Small group coaching (what we call “Tuning”), team building activities, and more time spent on Practicum filled the rest of the day.
Journey
- Workshop One: Fundamentals of Leadership with Emily – Delegates created a list of skills that a leaders needs to be successful, recognized the importance of teamwork, identified the stages of group development, and practiced taking on different leadership roles.
- Workshop Two: Building Healthy Relationships with Hemali and Oyin – Delegates learned about and evaluated what is and is not considered a healthy relationship, analyzed how our own action can affect others, and discussed how to maintain a relationship with others without compromising one’s own identity.
- Introduction of Community Project – Delegates will learn about philanthropy, volunteering, the roles of non profit organizations in Howard County – specifically the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County – and select women leaders deserving of awards for their contributions to their community.
- Evening activity – Zumba!
- Small group coaching (what we call “Tuning) and team building activities rounded out the rest of the day.