“We need to look at new values when we look at new leadership. Shared understanding helps us get down to the real critical issues.” –Professor Alton Jelks

Alton Jelks joined our youth and staff for an online seminar focused on the importance of listening, input, shared values and inclusion in leadership.

He identified important leadership values including engagement, participation, facilitated dialog, recognition of individuals as more than “job descriptions”, among others.

Professor Jelks has worked as professional staff in the California State Assembly, the City of Oakland Mayor’s Office and Chancellor’s Office within the Peralta Community College District. In addition, he has served as a board member and a variety of roles in non-profit agencies. He is a lecturer in the Masters of Public Administration Program at California State University, East Bay.

The Freedom Center continues to turn on a dime, increasing our online classes and sessions during the shelter-in-place order. We are bringing experts from around the world with feet-on-the-ground experience in organizing, civic engagement and public service together with our youth and staff.

This is an excellent time to study the relevance and importance of transforming ourselves to make change in the world.