provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The work of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) encompasses three critical areas: philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration. Under the category of “leadership,” CFI hosts the annual Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program. This unique program aims to recognize and foster the qualities necessary for strong leadership in our community. It’s an intensive eight-week program for a selected group of 13 participants who have demonstrated both a passion for the Islands and strong leadership abilities. Each Leadership Training Program session is designed to educate the participants about the Islands’ rich history, as well as the current state of affairs across a variety of categories.
The Leadership Program has completed its first three sessions, which focused on the themes of Government, the Environment, and Health, Wellness and Social Services. Each session included talks with community leaders and officials who are intimately familiar with the topic. “The sessions are packed with valuable information that our participants can take with them and implement into their own current and future leadership roles. There are also tours of the islands’ nonprofit organizations. We consider this program a valuable investment in our community that will pay huge dividends for years to come,” said Jane Majeski, CFI Board Member and Chair of the Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program. “Participants leave each session with a greater, in-depth understanding of the issues that are unique to the Islands and better equipped to lead in their particular fields.”
The session that focused on the environment took place on February 8th and included visits to The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, The Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Preserve hosting by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. The leadership class also received a boat tour from Captiva Cruises and observed firsthand the beautiful but fragile ecosystem that’s such a vital part of the Islands. “It’s great seeing how all the organizations coexist with each other to preserve and conserve Sanibel’s wildlife and water quality,” said Leadership class participant and Sanibel native Marvell Bradley. “These are the things that make Sanibel so unique and keep the tourists coming back year after year.”
“Government Day” was an opportunity for participants to view firsthand how community leaders on the Islands operate in their various appointed and elected positions. It included speakers from The Sanibel Recreation Center, the Children’s Education Center of the Islands, and the Sanibel School. “I’m thankful to be included so that I can share about our wonderful island school,” said speaker Jennifer Lusk, Principal of the Sanibel School. Andrea Miller, Director of Recreation at the Sanibel Rec Center, added, “It was a great opportunity to network with awesome up-and-coming professionals in our community.” Richard Johnson, Sanibel Mayor, made this observation about the young leadership program participants: “Remember, Porter Goss was only 35 years old when he stepped up to lead the creation of the City of Sanibel. We need our next generation of leaders, especially those with youth on their side, to step up now.”
“Health, Wellness and Social Services Day” which took place on Feb. 15, included a meeting at St. Michael and All Angels Church. There was an informative talk with staff and residents of Community Housing and Resources, a local organization that provides affordable housing to Island residents. The class also toured FISH Social Services’ Food Pantry and heard from several local healthcare leaders from Lee Health. Dolly Farrell noted, “The Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program emphasizes community awareness that we need to help people get connected and engaged. Our Island community thrives when all residents are afforded an opportunity to serve.”
The program continues with “Business and Community Prosperity” and “Arts and Culture Day” and a closing program dinner to be held on March 14.
“The idea of producing future leaders for the nonprofit community on the island was a brilliant idea and Hurricane Ian has created a greater sense of urgency for people to step up and lead.” said CFI Board Chair Chip Roach. “The Program is a win-win, by providing valuable information to the students, and exposing the nonprofits to potential future volunteers or Board members.”
For more information about CFI, visit charitablefoundationoftheislands.org.
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