Horizons Youth Services

Charleston SGA officers tackle issue of bullying at SGA Leadership Conference

The Charleston SGA delegation.

Student Government Association officers from Charleston Job Corps Center tackled the issue of bullying in an action plan the officers created during the recent Region 2 SGA Leadership Conference. The conference, held twice a year, focuses on leadership training, communication skills, critical thinking skills, personal responsibility and team building. Charleston SGA officers attended the conference from Oct. 23-26 at Camp Horizons near Harrisonburg, Va. The event was hosted by Horizons Youth Services, which operates Charleston Job Corps Center.

The weeklong conference culminates with each team of SGA officers creating an action plan to present to fellow SGA delegations at the conference and to present to senior management staff when they return to their center.

The Charleston team focused on bullying and ways to create a positive culture on campus that encourages respect for all students and staff. Team members proposed educating students about the issue of bullying through posters and flyers posted around campus and by holding classroom presentations that focus on the subject. The team also proposes establishing an anti-bullying committee comprised of SGA members, dorm representatives, area presidents and others.

The Charleston officers joined SGA officers from 10 other Job Corps centers from throughout the nation for the conference. Students stepped out of their comfort zones as they tackled the low challenge initiatives that promote problem solving, communication and team effort, and the high ropes initiatives, which require intense focus and determination. Students also attended classroom sessions that focused on communication skills, public speaking, working as a team and leadership.

Charleston SGA officers included Felipe Phillips, president; Shawn Murphy, vice president; Shanae Brown, secretary; Amanda Shields, treasurer; Shauna Parsons, public relations; and Aisha Watte, dorm area representative. Advisors accompanying the team were Jaron Burch and Jennifer Lester.

For more information about the Region 2 SGA Leadership Conference, please visit HorizonsLeadership.com.