BEST Foundation is hostings its annual Student Leader Training in Sofia on September 24-26. This weekend-long meeting will be an opportunity for the Student Leaders (SLs) to get to know their peers from across the country, participate in workshops about professional development and leadership skills, and prepare to start their community projects!
The event will take at Hotel Forum in Sofia. Attending students and staff will be required to present a vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test. An option to join virtually will be provided to students who are unable to attend training.
The Training Seminar focuses on the following:
Fostering a sense of community among BEST leaders (SLs) through guided leadership, collaborative activities and free time.
Building SLs’ leadership skills through instructive workshops that will equip SLs with the tools to assist coaches in managing their BEST teams and will be empowered to spread and promote BEST’s values and mission.
Recruitment, Retainment, and Fundraising - SLs will walk away from the training having a stronger understanding of how to bring in new members from the community and school as well as building relationships to keep members engaged.
Community Projects - the highlight of the Program. SLs will have a better understanding of their potential role(s) in improving their local communities by taking initiative, formulating a plan, and making sure their project(s) are completed by the deadline in April.
Tentative Schedule
Friday (September 24)
14:00-16:30 - Arrivals and Check-in
16:30-17:00 - Welcome Session
17:00-17:30 - Introduction to SL Program
17:30-18:00 - Presentation by American Councils on the YES Program
18:00-19:30 - Dinner
19:30-20:45 - The How-Tos on Leading a BEST Team
20:45-22:00 - Hangout/Evening Activity
Saturday (September 25)
7:00-8:00 - Morning Exercise
8:30-9:00 - Breakfast
9:00-11:00 - Intro to Community Projects (+online)
11:00-11:15 - Break - Change into SL T-Shirt
11:15 -11:30 - Q&A
11:30-12:00 - Group Photo
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
13:00-14:00 - Community Projects 1 - Proposal, Workshop
14:00-16:00 - Improv and team building workshop
16:15-16:30 - Break
16:30-17:00 - Discussion with Debate Coordinator
17:00-17:30 - Break, Video interviews
17:30-18:45 - Community Projects 2 - Execution, Workshop
18:45-19:30 - Community Projects 3 - Execution, Presentation to groups
19:30-20:30 - Dinner
20:30-21:30 - Community Projects 4 - Final Presentations
21:30-23:00 - Free time
Sunday (September 26)
7:00-8:00 - Morning Exercise
8:00-9:00 - Breakfast
9:00-10:00 - Recap
10:00-14:00 - Departures