Youth Leadership Training - Lessons Learned From Father Flanagan of Boys Town

If you are looking for a successful model of youthThis relentless leader practiced what he preached. He
leadership training, study Boys Town. Here are somedid not ask the youth to do anything that he would not
of the lessons learned from a man who was ahead ofdo himself. In essence, he modeled the behaviors that
his time.he desired to see in the boys.
Father Flanagan created opportunities for youth to gainFather Flanagan marketed the program skillfully.
leadership experience.Father Flanagan hosted a weekly radio show. He and
Youth served as elected officials; a mayor and a teamthe boys compiled a journal about Boys Town; over
of commissioners governed Boys Town. He acted as90,000 persons subscribed to it. Moreover, the Boys
an advisor to the leaders. Aside from this, the securityTown Choir performed throughout the country.
patrol consisted of youth, and the teens managed theFather Flanagan understood the needs of his market.
post office. It is amazing that Boys Town had its ownFather Flanagan understood the needs of the boys,
United States Post Office.the objectives of the program, and his charge. He
Father Flanagan prepared the boys to lead.never strayed from the mission.
Boys attended school and enrolled in vocational training.In short, the founder of Boys Town was a visionary
The young men were trained to operate the variouswho used faith, compassion, and patience to build a
departments (printing, farming, food service, journalism,program that was admired around the world. He took
carpentry, barber shop, transportation, etc.). As a result,troubled and homeless boys off the streets of
the boys developed key skills and improved their selfNebraska and transformed them into responsible and
esteem. In addition, they learned how to be betterrespectable young men. Still, it operates today. The
people.reach has expanded to include girls.
Father Flanagan led by example.