University of Illinois Extension provides a variety of leadership programs and experiences.

Western Illinois Leadership Academy provides opportunities for emerging leaders who live or work in Adams, Brown, Hancock or Pike Counties. Interested parties can contact the Extension Office in those counties for more information. The next session will begin January 2009.

Step Up to Leadership is for people who are interested in or currently serve on non-profit boards of directors and would like to increase their knowledge and effectiveness. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences so they can apply them to their own situations and learn from one another. Incorporating the experiences that participants share with the class as a whole, the instructor uses various techniques to facilitate resolution to real-life problems. If you are interested in this course, please email Laura Hyde at lhyde@uiuc.edu for more information.

Institute for Excellence in Leadership is a series of 8 workshops specifically designed to address the core competencies of effective and visionary non-profit management. Our long-term goal is to provide better-trained, competent, effective community organization leaders. The project is a collaborative effort between Quincy University, the Center for Effective Nonprofits,United Way of Adams County and University of Illinois Extension. The next session will begin in Sept. 08. Click here for the program booklet and registration. For more information on this program contact Laura Hyde at lhyde@uiuc.edu or at 217-223-8380.

YP Quincy is a network of young adults, who develop, enhance and promote educational and career opportunities, entertainment and recreational activities, and active involvement in the community. Members of YP of the Quincy Area organize social and educational events and volunteer for community betterment causes to enhance the quality of life making the Quincy area a great place to live and work. To learn more about getting involved in YP Quincy, e-mail Shelby Crow at sschoon@uiuc.edu or visit www.ypquincy.com

The 4-H Youth Development program offers many opportunities for youth ages 8-18 to develop, enhance and practice leadership and teamwork skills. Workshops, conferences, committees, clubs, events and other activities are offered year round. For more information about leadership development opportunities for youth, contact LeAnn Million at lmillion@uiuc.edu or Christine Morey at cmorey@uiuc.edu .