Leadership OC announces Impact Oconee Project

A group of aspiring leaders in Oconee County has set a lofty goal this year, to involve as many community members as possible in projects affecting the county.  Sponsored by the local chambers of commerce, the School District, and community leaders, Leadership Oconee County develops a corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic community leadership for the Golden Corner of South Carolina. The program prepares participants to work as effective volunteers contributing to the decision-making process of public and private institutions and agencies in the county. “Classes in the past have taken on either one or two projects and this group this year decided we wanted to start something special and so what we are calling it is “Impact Oconee.”  We have decided to take on five different projects.” Seneca Library Branch Manager Blair Hinson is a member of the Leadership Oconee County class of 2013.  The class plans to improve a hiking trail in the northern part of the county, clean the boys’ and girls’ Wilderness Camps, pick up litter alongside one of the county highways and collect donations for Our Daily Rest, the homeless shelter in Seneca.  However, Impact Oconee goes beyond just five projects, adds Hinson. “What we want to do is not just do these projects this year.  What we are hoping is that this Impact Oconee will become a volunteer day.  This is a day we are hoping to get not only our group but also volunteers from across the community.  What we will be doing is not only doing this one project this year on April 13, but eventually we hope the alumni of Leadership Oconee will carry this on and make Impact Oconee something that happens every year where we can get different projects identified and get volunteers to help make an impact in their communities.” Part of the requirements for graduation from the Leadership Oconee County program is to plan, fund and implement a class project. More details on this year’s class project, Impact Oconee, will be announced as the date draws near on April 13.