Have you answered the call to serve as a district governor or regional director in our Serran ministry? If you have heard and answered that call to lead, thank you!

A volunteer organization is only as good as its leaders. To that end, the USA Council's Leadership Development Committee is dedicated to fulfilling a specific part of our Council's vision statement:

"We hope to inspire and call forth a well-trained and dedicated corps of leaders at all levels of Serra by spiritual and practical formation."

A key component to that practical formation is the annual District Governor/Regional Director Planning and Training Conference. In 2010, this conference will be a one-day event on January 14 followed by the USA Council Super Weekend leadership meetings. This conference will replace the three-day conference previously held in February.

The District Governor/Regional Director Planning and Training Conference is a unique and integral opportunity for district governors and regional directors to learn the meaning and importance of their office. At this conference, they plan a productive Serra year for their specific areas, and are trained to assist and support Serra clubs in fulfilling our vocations-centered mission.

Check out what others who have attended the Planning and Training Conference are saying about the event and why they chose to attend:

• " I needed the training because being a good governor is more than a having the title.
  
• " When I took on this new responsibility I realized it was a new opportunity to serve others. I had an obligation to use every means to learn how to do it well.
  
• " We learned the best practices of Serra leadership through interactive adult learning opportunities. Learning from current governors was a great help.
  
• " Both formal and informal opportunities for learning, planning, sharing expertise, talents and fellowship with your peers made for a great experience.
  
  

The Leadership Committee has reviewed each section of the training manual and made revisions to make it shorter and more user-friendly. The one-day training saves time and money because training and committee meetings will be held back-to-back. The hotel, Crown Plaza O'Hare-Chicago, in Rosemont, IL, is a brand new facility. The $79.00 per night room rate can't be beat!

We've worked hard to streamline and condense our training into a one-day event, but stick around for the USA Council Super Weekend meetings to gain a broader understanding of your role in Serra in to learn how our Board works. We encourage all Governors, Directors and Elects to plan to stay through Saturday, January 16, 2010. Serra International President Alejandro Carbajal of Mexico and President-elect Tomi Asenuga of Nigeria will be in attendance, along with USA Council President Doug McRoy and his board.

Thank you for accepting the call to service as a leader in Serra as a district governor or regional director. It is up to you to use all resources at hand to learn how to serve your area well! Don't miss our new Planning and Training Conference this January in Chicago!

Scroll down for the full training schedule here and register online here.

Learn about Super Weekend and register here

Or register for both events by phone at 888.777.6681!

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Serrans get a boost in their mission during Pope Benedict XVI's proclaimed "Year for Priests"! Read about the jubilee year here and watch this space for special resources and prayers.