31 August 2022 Get Motivated Feel Inspired Be a Leader Take Charge This was the motto of the Take Charge, Riverina Youth Leadership Forum run by REROC (Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils) held today in Wagga. Eight students from Years 7 - 10 joined secondary students from 18 schools across the Riverina to hear key note speakers expound what it means to be a leader and to participate in a series of workshops where students explored and grew their leadership skill base. The day opened with an address from the Hon Ben Franklin MLC, Minister for the Arts, Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Regional Youth. Mr Franklin shared that being a leader is a three step process involving listening and talking to all of our community; being a competent spokes person and being willing to make change or work with others to initiate change. Students then had the opportunity to flesh out leadership qualities and skills through four workshops addressing team building and collaboration, mindfulness, understanding fundamentals of the law and presentation skills. The skills touched on in the workshops are directly applicable to students' lives both in and out of the school environment. David Mould, CEO of Second Strike, who spoke on the importance of presentation, believes in teamwork and putting others in the spotlight. Students learnt how to greet people professionally and how to enter a room. "You don't get told you are a leader, you become a leader and then people recognise you are a leader." The day was inspiring and left our students with new skills and a basis from which to grow their leadership qualities. Thank you REROC and Take Charge for a great day!