Applications for CMAP's 2011-2011 Future Leaders in Planning, or FLIP, program are being accepted through Monday, Sept. 12. Participants in FLIP will learn more about the northeastern region and share their thoughts with other teens from Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties while meeting and interacting with selected regional leaders who make key planning decisions in our communities.

 

As Board Chairman of a member county of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), Karen McConnaughay is encouraging Kane County teens who want to learn about and contribute to a better future for our region to take advantage of a free leadership development opportunity being made available to them through the agency.

 

The FLIP program begins in September and continues through early May, 2012. All participants should commit to one orientation session, one full-day retreat, five Saturday all-day sessions, and one weeknight for the Final Presentation. The five Saturday sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. The sessions will be chaperoned by CMAP staff. The retreat will focus on building trust and a positive group dynamic. All sessions will begin and end at CMAP offices in the Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago. Financial assistance for travel is available to students who require it. Attendance at all meetings is strongly encouraged. Participation in the retreat is mandatory.

 

In addition to completing an application form, students must submit an essay explaining, among other things, how they envision our region in 2040. A reference form that must be completed by a teacher, counselor, mentor or community leader must accompany each application. A selection committee composed of CMAP representatives will review the applications. Consideration is given to students who demonstrate a combination of factors, including level of interest, critical thinking skills, and community involvement. In addition, each student�s application essay and reference letter will contribute to final decisions. Because of the program�s mission, an effort is made to have a diverse group of students.

 

More information about FLIP is available at www.cmap.illinois.gov/about/involvement/flip or by contacting Andrew Williams-Clark 312-386-8770 awilliamsclark@cmap.illinois.gov