Leadership Newark (LN) will be hosting its first annual Public Policy Summit on November 9, 2013. A team of consultants working on behalf of LN surveyed several small group meetings in/around the City of Newark to ascertain areas of interest. Based on the responses, the 2013 Summit will include in depth discussions on education, economic recovery, crime and health. There will be opportunities for early bird registration, vendor exhibits, and post conference follow-up on the key issues. The intent of the Summit is to provide a conference setting for Newark stakeholders to become informed about public policy issues that are impacting the Newark community, arming them with not only a voice and forum to share their concerns about those issues, but to provide them with tools to be able to do what is within their power to address the issue and new information on how the local government is addressing those same issues.
Leadership Newark is a public policy leadership enrichment program for adults committed to the betterment of the greater Newark area. Those interested in the fellowship program are encouraged to submit an application during the recruitment season and a group of approximately 30 people are selected each year through the competitive application process. The Public Policy Summit is an opportunity to engage others in problem solving and the discussion for systemic change. The LN network is strong and committed to building a stronger community and they are working diligently to deliver an impactful Summit. Frederick Cooke an LN alum and the principal of C+C Architecture expressed an interest in a Public Policy Summit of this magnitude approximately 3 years ago. Today he shared, “I am glad to see Leadership Newark putting this together. Hosting an event that fosters an honest conversation amongst Newark stakeholders is a great way for LN to celebrate its anniversary and contribute to the community. I am eager to help and participate in the process.” The speakers will range from nationally known keynoters to our local experts. Joshshina McGlotten principal of the McGlotten Group and another alumni who worked on the feasibility and research team said, “I am thrilled we will be able to bring experts to the community to delve deeply into the issues the community expressed were of great importance to them. We asked what they wanted and now we are going to deliver, this is exciting.”
Leadership Newark’s goal is to connect and improve the network of community and civic leaders, while stimulating their collaborative efforts and thinking to enhance the community, as they each commit to build, strengthen and serve. The idea that drives Leadership Newark is that of servant-leadership, which is a phrase coined by Robert K. Greenleaf, a noted educator, lecturer and consultant, as a key element to building strong communities. Simply stated, Servant-Leadership is the concept of first serving others, then leading as way of expanding ones service for the common good.