Southern Illinoisans working together to create and retain youth resources for regional leadership and prosperity! INTRODUCING… A ConnectSI Project

Age Distribution Comparison Increasing Our Burden Losing Our Future Workforce Youth are already here they need to be proactively retained Losing Our Future Workforce SIU and the community colleges generate an above average year old population As they enter the workforce however, they leave the region for more attractive opportunities, Increasing Our Burden SI loses its most productive age group while increasing the resource-demanding demographic of retirees Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Table QT-P1: Age Groups and Sex: 2000 and RA Interviews Copyright 2007 ViTAL Economy, Inc..

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? That we are allowing other regions to import -- Our Educated Youth! Brain Drain Outmigration Loss of Talent

That many of our young leaders believe they have to leave our region to find an occupation… That many of our young leaders love the region and feel that it is a great place to live and raise families. They picture themselves living and working here! WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

Leadership Skill Development Instilling a Regional Passion Mentoring Cultural Activities Promoting Collaboration HOW CAN LEAD SI HELP? One Region – One Vision Working Together!

First institute of 33 HS juniors and seniors June 11-13, 2008 at SIUC Students selected from high schools within the John A. Logan district Eventual expansion to all twenty southern Illinois counties Were ready to lead.. …if you are!

The Teams Course focuses on group decision making, communication, trust, cooperation, and more. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INSTITUTE?

StrengthsQuest is an assessment that helps discover talents and strengths.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INSTITUTE? Group sessions engage, unify, and inspire.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INSTITUTE? Small group meetings address topics such as career planning, decision making/problem solving, communication, creativity, and goal setting.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INSTITUTE? A Panel of Leaders discusses regional needs, strengths, interests, and opportunities.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INSTITUTE? Etiquette Dinner & Dessert Reception with Connect SI Leaders

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INSTITUTE? A cookout hosted by Southern Illinois University President Dr. Glenn Poshard at the Stone Center with many regional dignitaries.

Institute Expenses A.Facilities$ 5, B.Food$ 8, C.Advertising$ 1, D.Staff$ 7, E.Permits, Course Materials$ 15, Transportation, etc. F.Registration Materials$ 4, G.Administrative Costs$ Total$ 41, Budget for Lead SI Institute

1.FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Participant sponsorships of $1,000 2.PARTICIPATION: Presentations, mentors, internships, nominations 3.INDIRECT SUPPORT: Site visits, materials, speaker referrals, student nominations WE NEED OUR YOUNG LEADERS – and they need your HELP TO BE SUCCESSFUL!

Lets keep OUR BEST and BRIGHTEST where they Can do the MOST GOOD… RIGHT HERE AT HOME! PLEASE CONSIDER AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF OUR REGION!

To make a tax-deductible contribution to LEAD SI or for more information, please contact: Kathy LivelyRex Duncan (618) , ext 237(618) – Office OUR YOUNG LEADERS THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!