New Leadership Training for Older Persons Offered by
N.C. Center for Creative Retirement

Individuals age 50 and over who wish to discover or improve their leadership skills are invited to participate in Leadership Training for Older Persons (LTOP), cosponsored by UNC Asheville's N.C. Center For Creative Retirement and Land of Sky Regional Council and funded by a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

"LTOP is designed to help people gain skills to become stronger advocates for older persons in the community," says project coordinator Beth Lazer. The six weekly sessions, to be held on the UNCA campus, start Tuesday, April 2, and conclude May 7, 2002.

"Participants will learn how to plan discussions, lead groups, handle difficult people, build teams, lobby elected officials, and speak in public," says Lazer. They will also explore ways to access information on programs and services for the elderly. Those who finish the training and a field project will receive a certificate of completion.

"We're thrilled UNCA is going to host a program that will improve the lives of older residents in our community," says UNCA Chancellor Jim Mullen. Lazer agrees, noting the program will utilize the knowledge of UNCA faculty and students as well as outside experts.

There are no prerequisites and no charge to participate in LTOP, but preference will be given to underserved and minority persons residing in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania counties. For more information and applications, call Tina Schwartz at UNCA, 828/251-6140.

Media Contacts:

• Dr. Ron Manheimer, Executive Director, N.C. Center for Creative Retirement, 828/251-6140
• Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information Director, 828/251-6676