FOCA sponsors leadership training seminar

Young adults of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America [FOCA] participated in a leadership training seminar on April 28, 2006.

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OH [OCA Communications] — Eighteen young adults representing the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America‘s Midwest, New Jersey, and Colonial districts participated in a leadership training seminar at Archangel Michael Church here on April 28, 2006.

The seminar was held in conjunction with the FOCA’s national basketball tournament during the last weekend of April.

At the FOCA’s 2005 national convention, it was decided that the organization’s executive board sponsor the training seminar to inform, inspire, encourage, and support the development and involvement of future leaders of the FOCA.

Offering presentations at the seminar were Michael G. Herzak, Laura F. Johnson, Paul Fedoronko, Michael Steffaro, Robert Steffaro, and Dr. Alice Woog.

In addition to providing a brief history of the FOCA, the seminar featured a powerpoint presentation addressing leadership needs on the district and national levels; reviewed the responsibilities of leaders and board of trustee members; and explored the background and recommended experience necessary for pursuing leadership positions. The seminar also surveyed characteristics of effective leaders; ways leadership in the FOCA can enhance and support leadership within a chosen profession, the Church, and other community activities; tips for getting involved in leadership positions; the need to understand and employ parliamentary procedures; and tips for conducting effective meetings. The presenters, several of whom had served as national FOCA presidents, district governors, and national committee members, brought a wide variety of experience to the session.

FOCA President John Schultz attended the session, greeted the participants, and encouraged them to strengthen their interest as future leaders of the FOCA and the Orthodox Church in North America.

“The dialogue among the participants and with the presenters was informative and engaging,” according to Dr. Alice Woog. “This group of young adults demonstrated a sincere interest in understanding the operation of the FOCA and learning how to take their talents and interests and develop them as potential leaders of the FOCA and Orthodoxy in North America.”

Plans for sponsoring another leadership training seminar in the future will be discussed by members of the FOCA executive board at their summer 2006 meeting.