AFR to Host Leadership Summit for Oklahoma Youth July 22-28

Several hundred Oklahoma students will spend part of their summer learning how to improve lives by becoming community leaders when they attend the annual AFR Leadership Summit. Held at the Heartland Conference Center near Oklahoma City, the summit is divided into two sessions:  teen session for students entering grades 7-9 is July 22-24; the senior session for students entering grades 10-12, runs July 25-28.

Summit sessions focus on leadership development and improving the lives of others through team-building exercises. Traditionally, participants have selected service projects as beneficiaries of the youth’s enthusiasm and energy.

“This is a great opportunity for these young people to learn leadership skills as well as learn something about themselves in the process,” said Micaela Danker, AFR/OFU youth development coordinator. “I think it is incredible these kids care enough to spend part of their summer helping others,” Danker said.

The history of AFR is rich with culture and growth which began with Oklahoma Farmers Union. For more than 40 years the farm organization has sponsored a Leadership Summit for the state’s top young leaders. Many of the students have taken what they have learned back to their communities and served in greater leadership roles at the local and state levels.

At the conclusion of the senior session, students select the next AFR Youth Advisory Council from among their peers. The youth advisory council consists of five students who will serve in a leadership role advising the organization during the coming year.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Facilitator Marty Jones leads students in the 2017 teen session.