LLA students clean and disinfect toys at the Family Strengths Network, hosted by Carie Fanning, FSN Executive Director. Photo by Marisol Padilla

LLA students assemble charity bags for local residents in need. Photo by Kateri Morris

LLA students participate in an activity facilitated by Bernadette Lauritzen. Photo by Kateri Morris

LLA students learn about the LA County Animal Shelter and play with the new dogs that arrived. The visit was hosted by Paul Sena, LAC Animal Shelter Manager. Photo by Kateri Morris

Bernadette Lauritzen and the class participate in a discussion of the book Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. Photo by Kateri Morris

LLA students meet a variety of non-profit organizations at the Community Organizations Fair at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Marisol Padilla

BY KATERI MORRIS
Leadership Los Alamos

Leadership Los Alamos, Class of 2023, held their first session in October. They learned about the heart of non-profit organizations in the community. Bernadette Lauritzen, Executive Director of the Los  Alamos Retired and Senior Organization and Champions of Youth Ambitions, hosted the class at the Better Ehart Senior Center. Guest speakers included Kathy Keith, Director of the LANL Community Programs Office; Kyle Wheeler, President of the Los Alamos Living Treasures; Diane Smogor Executive Director of Self Help, Inc.; Todd Nichols, Executive Director of the Los Alamos Historical Society; Steve Laurent, Executive Director of the Los Alamos Community Foundation; and Dr. Donald Cobb, Co-founder of the Los Alamos Community Foundation. These community leaders were instrumental in informing the class of the purpose and value of their organizations, the variety of volunteer opportunities there are in the county, and were able to leave the class with some advice to enhance their philanthropy. Collaboration, networking, pivoting services, successes and challenges were additional areas of focus.

The class continued the day with hands-on activities at the Los Alamos Animal Shelter, Family Strengths Network, and the Senior Center; and met local community organizations at a mini-fair at Fuller Lodge. Leadership Los Alamos is a non-profit organization whose mission is to identify current and emerging leaders in Los Alamos and surrounding communities, to enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the community. Each class learns about a variety of topics like community organizations, cultural and history, youth, education, local government, economic development, and environmental issues. For more information go to: Leadership Los Alamos – An educational organization dedicated to the future of Los Alamos