Campus Camp Wellstone leadership workshop coming to MSU
Attendees learn how to make a difference in their campus community
Leadership skills are a necessity among college students. One thing that future employers look for is leadership. A workshop event for students and the public to sharpen those skills is coming to Minnesota State University, Mankato called Campus Camp Wellstone.
Campus Camp Wellstone is a leadership event dedicated to the late U.S. senator from Minnesota, Paul Wellstone and his wife Sheila, who both died tragically in a plane crash near Eveleth, Minnesota on Oct. 25, 2002. Attendees will gain leadership skills, and learn how to make a difference on campus and in their community.
Campus Camp Wellstone, put on the Department of Communication Studies, will take place on Friday, March 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both will take place in Armstrong Hall 101.
Free breakfast and lunch will be provided, and the entire event is free for those who attend thanks to a generous grant from the Lowell and Nadine Andreas Foundation.
Katie Olson, one of two students (along with Matthew McGreavey) planning the event, had this to say in regards to the event.
“It should be a great opportunity for students to feel like their voice in the things they care about will be heard and also cared about,” she said. Campus Camp Wellstone’s activities vary from place to place.
However, according to the press release, attendees should expect an interactive, high-energy, problem-solving environment for all types of learners.
“You will practice concrete skills, such as strategic planning, power mapping, grassroots organizing, and message development,” the release dated Feb. 9 said.
However, on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato, Campus Camp Wellstone will focus on issues related to the campus as a whole.
“The single provider that provides food on campus here. We’ve talked about lower prices and fairness of sourcing the food. We’ve talked about campus diversity,” McGreavey said, in regards to what they focus on here with Campus Camp Wellstone.
Both students say the event should appeal to students who may feel like their voices really aren’t heard on campus.
“This event and the organization behind it is really all about spreading awareness that our voices do matter and they can be heard,” McGreavey said.
“This isn’t something that should be forced on anyone but if you are a person or individual who cares about community, also about who cares about your own leadership skills, this is the prime opportunity to foster those skills,” Olson said.
To sign up, visit wellstone.org, or to find out more contact Dr. David Engen, associate professor and chair of the Communication Studies department at david.engen@mnsu.edu or visit the Facebook page of the MSU Department of Communication Studies to find out.
