News Release

WARSAW — The Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program Kosciusko invites all who live and work in the community to “We LEAD Kosciusko,” a call-out event for those interested in volunteering and leading in Kosciusko County.

The event will take place from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at Wyndham Garden Hotel, 2519 E Center St, Warsaw.. The purpose is to bring together local leaders and residents for connection, learning, and information sharing about community and public service opportunities. The idea came to life through the work of a H.E.L.P. Kosciusko project group.

“The idea is to engage and support new leaders in our community,” said Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe. “Whether you’re interested in running for public office, serving on a nonprofit or service club board, or leading in another capacity, it’s important that together as a community, we share opportunities and insight to support people as they explore and step into these roles.”

The event will include a keynote presentation from Fort Wayne native and Hoosier leader, Eric Doden as well as remarks from local leader Leo Patiño of Indiana Tech Warsaw about the importance of leading where you live. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with a lineup of leaders covering several local opportunity areas including: public service and elected office, community boards, nonprofit organizations, service clubs, and Kosciusko Leadership Academy.

“I hope community-minded members will join us to learn about opportunities to serve in Kosciusko County.  Whether you are interested in an elected position, appointed government board, non-profit board, civic organization membership or enrolling in the leadership academy, I hope there is something to excite you about the possibilities to give back to Kosciusko County,” said Kosciusko County Councilwoman and project member Sue Ann Mitchell. “One of my favorite sayings is, ‘No one of us is as smart as all of us!’ Come join us as there is room for many to serve in our community.”

The event will also honor a fellow Hoosier leader who has gone before us. Aug. 3 is significant in that it marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Indiana Rep. Jackie Walorski.

“As a leader and community advocate who was deeply passionate about public service and creating positive change for Hoosiers, what better way to honor Rep. Walorski than to bring people together to learn about community building, with the goal of bringing forth more public servants,” said Roe. “Let’s honor her legacy by empowering and supporting more ‘change-makers’ in our communities.”

Open connection time and networking will follow the presentation and memorial portions of the event.

“Our hope is that people walk away with more information and resources, valuable connections, and direction as to what might interest them. We’ve received some inquiries from organizations about setting up individual booths at the event –– we’re not offering that opportunity since this is meant to offer a high-level overview. However, we will share a flyer directing attendees to more information about what’s available in our community, and how to get involved,” said Roe.

The event is free to attend, and light refreshments will be provided. If you and/or a guest plan to attend RSVP by Friday, July 21 at bit.ly/WeLEADKosciusko2023.

This event is hosted by H.E.L.P. Kosciusko with support from Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, and sponsored by K21 Health Foundation and the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

For updates on HELP Kosciusko visit www.kcgov.com and follow HELP Kosciusko on Facebook @HELPKosciusko.