Next have the group explore the Expectations of the group.

This is what is expected of the participants regarding their time in the project and the project itself. These can come from facilitators and the community. Some expectations that should be included are:

· Attend every day.

· Be an active participant in the planning and implementation of the community service project.

· Challenge themselves, everyday to step out of their comfort zone.

· Be an active participant.

· Notify facilitators and community (We Lead! Participants)if they are unable to attend.

· Make a personal commitment to complete all three weeks of the leadership program.

It is important to note that when working with people with disabilities, there are several barriers to attendance and other aspects of the program (health issues, lack of transportation, personal assistance, etc.). Some participants with disabilities may agree to the expectation of attending every week of the We Lead!, but then might develop a health issue relating to their disability that results in missing one day. As a facilitator, be prepared for participants to miss sessions on occasion.

In addition, the group should decide how many absences are allowed before the stipends begin to decrease in value. This decision can be made by the participants as they discuss expectations.

• Group discusses guidelines of how they will behave during the three week term.
• “What will make We Lead! a safe place for all of us? (Guidelines become central to the contract participants sign on second day)
• Guidelines are posted on flip chart that all participants sign.
• Chart is prominently posted and can be referred to throughout the three-week term.

Word of the Day

Time: 20 minutes

Source: Adapted from, “Leadership Characteristics Activity, ” By Amy Selders

Purpose: Each day there are two “Words of the Day.” These words have been carefully chosen as key elements of leadership characteristics.

Directions: Hand out the word of the day words: Clarity and Discipline. Ask participants to read each word of the day, and the definition provided. Ask participants to describe in their own words what each word means. Have participants discuss how each word of the day relates to leadership and being a leader.