Every Student Deserves a Chance - Leadership Dallas Alumni Partner with Education is Freedom

Leadership Dallas, the flagship program of the Dallas Regional Chamber, was formed more than 30 years ago with the goal of providing our city with an ongoing source of diverse leaders who are prepared and committed to serve as catalysts and sustainers of positive change for the quality of life in the Greater Dallas area. The Alumni Association of Leadership Dallas strives to continue this legacy through educating graduates on significant issues facing the greater Dallas community and encouraging alumni to become active, engaged leaders in the community.

In response to the new direction of the alumni association, the Leadership Dallas Alumni Board has implemented a new committee, the Community Outreach and Volunteerism Committee, which will facilitate and engage members in meaningful service opportunities that will impact the community at large. In the coming months the committee, chaired by Alan Wood ’08 and Holly Hassmann ’08, will be looking at various issues and organizations where the alumni can channel their collective talent to work closely together, network, make a difference and as always, have fun along the way.

This year, the LDAA is partnering with Education is Freedom as a way to offer alumni a menu of interactive volunteer opportunities identified to engage LDA membership in a meaningful way and utilize the collective talents, resources and experiences to make a positive and significant impact.
Education is Freedom (EIF) was founded in 2002 on the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity for a college education. Providing students with a roadmap to complete high school and gain access to college, EIF impacts the academic success of urban youth through a comprehensive school-based program. EIF focuses on academic standards, including personal guidance, professional development, SAT/ACT and college preparation, mentoring, scholarship assistance and academic achievement incentives.

Education is Freedom has committed to increasing the graduation rate in DISD, helping students access scholarship funds, and showing students how to succeed in college and beyond. Leadership Dallas Alumni will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these talented young people by mentoring students in a structured, organized manner, working/providing support for character development workshops and creating opportunities for LD Alumni to integrate into the broader plan to make DISD a model for urban school districts.

Leadership Dallas Alumni interested in taking part in this volunteer initiative can contact Alan Wood at alan.wood@am.jll.com or Holly Hassmann at holly.hassmann@childrens.com.

To learn more about Leadership Dallas or to request an application for the 2011 class, available April 1, please email leadership@dallaschamber.org. For questions about the alumni association, contact Julie Tanner at 214-746-6741.