On June 14 at VINS, Leadership Upper Valley ended the 22-23 program with a day of discussion, laughter, plans for the future, and closure. 27 people celebrated the ways in which they’ve learned together, grown to trust one another, and now look ahead to what good they might do in their communities having participated in this ten-month program.
Participants shared their most important learning moments of the past year, and worked in groups to listen carefully to each other’s plans moving forward. The group came up with really good suggestions for the future of the program in a humorous discussion of what LUV definitely shouldn’t be, as part of an ongoing effort to improve programming in form and result. One session was delayed by feeding time for the raptors, which was a bonus activity made possible by VINS.
Incoming chair of the LUV advisory board Kimberley Gibbs welcomed everyone to the closing session, sharing why she was glad to have taken part and how she gives back in ways inspired by her participation. Lebanon City Councilor and former mayor Karen Liot Hill spoke to the group, encouraging each person to consider trees, cathedrals, and flags in ways that might inform their path forward; each offered a positive image of how to focus on what’s important. The event closed with each participant receiving a certificate, and a letter they wrote themselves at the opening session back in September.
Application for the 23-24 LUV program closes on June 30.
Published 6/22/23