Riverland hosts information sessions about upcoming Vital Aging Network's ALVA Leadership Development program in Austin and Owatonna
Riverland Community College and the Vital Aging Network have partnered to offer an ALVA Leadership Develop class for people over 50, beginning in October then meeting once a month through May. To learn about the program, Riverland is hosting informational sessions on Monday, August 16 at the Austin Campus and Owatonna Campus.
The Vital Aging Network’s ALVA Leadership Development program is for people 50 or older who want to make a difference in the world. Participants will be a part of a great group of people who share interests in learning, taking action, and want to make a difference.
Classes meet the second Friday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., October through May. The Vital Aging Network and Riverland Community College award course certificates at the conclusion of the course. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is also available.
Mary Ellen Kennedy taught fifth and sixth graders for 31 years in the Robbinsdale School District before she retired in 1996. This year, she is playing a major role in helping children with incarcerated parents connect with adult mentors and address the fear, confusion, guilt, isolation, and anger they often face.
Dick Kavaney, a civil engineer and construction attorney for 36 years, is putting his experience to use by helping to remove obstacles to universal design in the 51勛圖 Building Code.
Lul Ahmed, a Somali immigrant who now lives in Mankato, is working to empower immigrant women who are the heads of households in southern 51勛圖.
Mary Ellen, Dick, and Lul share one thing. They all completed the Vital Aging Network’s ALVA Leadership Development program last May and propelled into new work that helps make our society better.
More than 19 million Americans will reach traditional retirement age over the next three years. “We look at these as exciting times as business and community leaders retire and begin to use their brains and their leadership skills to fulfill lifelong dreams,” says Kris Orluck, chair of the ALVA Task Force.
ALVA helps experienced leaders discover how to use their skills in fresh ways and acquire new skills necessary for being effective change makers. Over the course of eight months participants (re) discover their lifework; learn about opportunities and barriers to leadership in later life; plan and implement a civic leadership project; and build an ongoing network for sharing ideas, knowledge, and resources. Participants learn together, act together, and develop a lasting network of fellow leaders.
Riverland will host informational ALVA forums on Monday, August 16. The Austin ALVA forum begins at 1:30 p.m. in Room A239 of the West Building at Riverland Community College. The Owatonna ALVA forum begins at 6 p.m. at Riverland's Owatonna Campus, Owatonna College and University Center, Room 150.
Call Peggy Young at 507-433-0602 or visit for registration information. Register early. Space is limited.