Foundations Brochure (acrobat pdf file...514 kb)

Foundations Health Form (acrobat pdf file...46kb)

Link to the 8 FutureNow Sessions

FutureNow Leadership Training Summary

FutureNow is a senior high school (9-12 grades) program containing two levels. Each level is composed of 4 teo-hour training sessions. Each three-hour session combines presentation, handouts, small and large group discussion and practical integration. A Parish Integration Session is led by a designated Parish Moderator at the parish/school 1-2 months after a session is completed.

Level 1 Sessions:

1-A: LEADERSHIP STYLES

Defining Christian leadership, assessing individual strengths, weaknesses and skills, developing a personal mission statement, the use and misuse of power and authority, understanding various leadership styles and approaches.

1-B: GROUP DYNAMICS

Understanding group dynamics, facilitating small groups, creating and maintaining a welcoming environment, behavior management.

1-C: TEAM BUILDING AND DECISION MAKING

Developing a team approach and building a team spirit vs. a clique, various approaches to making decisions in groups, dealing with group conflict, creating group ownership.

1-D: PROGRAM PLANNING

Conducting needs assessments/surveys (starting where the person is), developing a group mission, using goals and objectives that connect to mission, techniques for brainstorming and evaluation, how to affirm/critique programs toward change/growth, putting it all together (quality programming).

Level 2 Sessions:

2-A: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Active listening, how to advocate, confront, assert and motivate others in a Christian manner.

2-B: PRAYER AND WORSHIP

Review of prayer/liturgical forms, essential elements of good worship, understanding the liturgical year and lectionary, planning a prayer/worship experience, creating a prayerful environment, reviewing the Diocesan Gifted to Serve guidelines.

2-C: PRESENTATION SKILLS

Essential elements of public speaking, preparing and presenting talks to large and small groups, effective witnessing/storytelling.

2-D: SPIRITUALITY AND PERSONAL GROWTH

Developing a prayer life, dealing with and handling stress, signs of ill health, how to ask and get help for self or another, caring for mind and body, achieving balance.

PARISH INTEGRATION SESSION

Led by the Parish Moderator 1-2 months after completion of a training level to assist youth in reflecting on the skills they have learned thus far and how they are utilizing them in service to the parish/school.