Let me introduce you to our next NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) Course Director, Shanti Day. Though the course is in November, she and her team are already working together to develop an outstanding NYLT. She and her small team of adults will mentor a youth staff over the course of six months including three staff development weekends. That youth staff will then spend six days running (with supervision) NYLT at Mays Family Scout Ranch. I asked Shanti why she volunteered for this. Her answer is below.
Pull Up Your Britches: What NYLT Taught Me About Leading and Letting Go
By Shanti Day
I am a lawyer. Solving problems is my profession. So when I became involved with National Youth Leadership Training, I assumed I would be the one with all the answers. Spoiler alert: that is not how this works.
What NYLT actually taught me was how to wait. How to sit on my hands. How to trust that if I gave a young person enough space, they would figure it out themselves. And they do, often better than I would have. That realization has been humbling, and it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to witness.
I once worked with a youth who simply could not catch a break. There was personal tragedy at home, obstacle after obstacle during the course, and a growing belief that they were failing as a leader. I have a lot of tools in my toolbox, but the one I reached for that day was not especially gentle: “Pull up your britches and get the job done. Fall apart later.”
Would you believe it worked?
They dug deep. They pushed through. And they delivered. I do not think I have ever been prouder of anyone.
The leadership lessons from NYLT show up in my law practice more than I ever expected. I hear myself saying the same thing to clients and colleagues all the time: “I do not think your message is being received. Let us talk about that.” Those communication and leadership skills came directly from the course, and I use them every single week.
The young people I have met through NYLT are going to lead our companies, nonprofits, and communities. I have seen it firsthand.
If you are a youth wondering whether this course is for you, it is. If you are a parent on the fence, send them. If you are an adult looking for something meaningful and worthwhile, volunteer.
You will not regret it.
