Inspirational speaker Spencer West and a We to Me workshop will open the Building Community Leadership series this Saturday at the Clarke Foundation Theatre.

This is the first of four day-long events hosted by the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce that was devised to develop leadership skills in volunteers.

“I think we’ve put together a really remarkable series,” said Michelle Favero, the manager of the chamber and the drive behind the series.

“The whole point of the program is to develop leadership skills,” she said. “Organizations said they were really struggling to get people to take on leadership roles.”

The chamber’s research found volunteers had a lack of time, but more significantly, a lack of confidence in taking on decision-making roles, Favero said.

So for six months, Favaro and a project team comprised of local leaders focused developing this program, which will hone in on four key areas: passions, mentoring, ethics and transformation.

Although West lost his legs from the pelvis down to disease when he was just five, he’s become a dynamo inspiration to millions of young people around the globe. He has taken part in Me to We programs in African countries and tours as a Me to We speaker. In Mission, he will help participants identify their passions. His morning talk will be followed by afternoon workshops on Saturday.

The other sessions feature hockey legend Ryan Walter on Feb. 25, speaking on mentoring and the gift of leadership; Vancity CEO Tamara Vrooman on March 31, who will discuss leadership values and ethics; and Skid Row CEO Joe Roberts on April 28, who will look at embracing change and transformation as a leader.

The program has received a grant from the Mission Community Foundation and support from several other community service and corporate agencies.

While the program is focused on volunteer leadership, the skills gained will be just as applicable to work and social environments, said Favero.

Along with affordable skills training, the leadership initiative aims to develop an ongoing base of volunteers for future growth and community sustainability. People of all ages are encouraged to take part in what could be a life-changing experience.

Individuals or organizations can register for any one or all four of the sessions offered in the series. Each session costs $20 to register or $75 for the whole series.

To register or to find out more information on the community leadership series, see the website at www.MissionChamber.bc.ca or contact Building Community Leadership chairwoman Michelle Favero at manager@missionchamber.bc.ca or call her at 604-826-6914.

CToth@abbotsfordtimes.com