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THE EDUCATOR - Fall 1998

Teen Conference Attracts America's Future Leaders

“The Washington State Narcotics Investigators Association is a proud supporter of the NTLP. This exceptional program taps into the leadership potential that exists in every student. I can’t think of any one who wouldn’t benefit from attending this program.”

There’s no doubt why 60 teenagers, supported by the California National Guard, chose to participate in a leadership program. Guard-sponsored Minda Paxman, from Woodcreek High in Antelope, gave NTLP on a scale of 1- 10, a 100! “There were no cliques—no walls,” said Minda. I came not knowing everyone and felt very accepted by all. The unity was the greatest.”

Providing peer support and encouragement to stay strong in today’s society is just a small part of what the National Teen Leadership Program is all about. For the past seven years, NTLP has been educating and motivating high school teen leaders and those who think they might not be the teen “leadership type.” The program supports, motivates and encourages teen leadership, creates role models for today’s youth and ensures that our future leaders do not become a part of the negative statistics that are frequently applied to today’s teens. The three-day weekend includes high-powered motivational speakers, workshops that cover school-to-career transition, small group sessions where students work on problem-solving and decision-making skills and an abundance of high-energy peer support, disguised as, well...fun. NTLP believes that all students have leadership potential and stresses that leadership rears its head in many forms. A talent show, mini-Olympics and sports competition are just a few of the way that participants are encouraged to recognize leadership ability in their peers. Academics, community service and extra-curricular activities are also honored and an award ceremony celebrates and recognizes high achievers with cash awards and scholarships.

“All teenagers are at risk by the very nature of being a teenager,” says Laura Wilke, Executive Director of NTLP. “Most leadership programs direct their attention to only one aspect of teen leadership, such as student council, or target high-risk problems such as teen pregnancy or gang violence. The profile of a NTLP participant is reflective of most teens today: good grades, active, involved, overwhelmed, under recognized and scared of the future - in other words, the majority of today’s high school teens.”

NTLP and WSNIA know that students who believe in them selves and have a high level of self esteem are less likely to take drugs and more likely to resist negative peer pressure. NTLP fosters the perseverance young people need to stay strong in today’s challenging society.

Since 1992, over 3000 students have attended NTLP conferences and over $80,000 has been distributed in scholarship awards. More importantly, NTLP has created a network of support and encouragement that extends far beyond the last day of the conference. The Washington State Narcotics Investigators Assoc. believes that the mission of NTLP directly relates to the mission of their anti-drug program and is a proud co-sponsor.

Featured speaker Gary Zelesky, who has spoken to NTLP students every year for the past seven years has this to say: “I person ally believe with everything that’s inside of me, that there’s not a group of people on this planet that have more energy, more enthusiasm, more dreams, more drive, more ambition than teenagers. It’s about time we stopped telling teenagers what they can’t do and released them to do the things they can!”

If you are a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior about to graduate from high school, you’ll want to attend NTLP. They promise you a rewarding experience you’ll not soon forget.

Dates and locations for 1999:
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ June 18-20
Evergreen College, Olympia WA July 9-11
UCLA, Los Angeles, CA July 30- Aug 1
St. Mary’s College, Moraga CA Aug 13-15

To find out more about NTLP (and request information on line), visit their website at http://www.teenleader.org OR call 1-800-550-1950.

You can also Email: LWilkeNTLP@aol.com

or write: 738 Commons Dr., Sacramento CA 95825

Do it now! Information and applications will be mailed by December 31, 1998!

The National Teen Leadership Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.