JAG-SC Event Lends Opportunity for Agency Cross-Training

On Aug. 6, JAG-SC conducted its annual South Carolina Career Association Leadership Development Conference atWhite Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro.

Attendees included JAG-SC state delegates, which were elected by their peers to represent their school’s interests at the state level, and at least one career association officer from each local chapters.

The students participated in a high ropes challenge course for team building, attended training, elected officers and assigned state committees – which include community service, leadership development civic awareness and social awareness.

A statewide full-staff meeting was also held to launch the JAG-SC 2014-2015 program year.

Elaine Midkiff, JAG-SC state coordinator attributed the success of the event in part to two Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) employees not usually associated with JAG.

“Because much of the day’s events happened simultaneously, we utilized Chena Melvin from the State Workforce Board Initiatives Unit and Lorraine Faulds from the Labor Market Information Division.”

The two were cross-trained in the delivery of this annual event and assisted with the high ropes training course activity and the state committee planning session.

“I have worked with JAG in different capacities throughout the years and have gradually become more involved,” said Melvin.

Both Melvin and Faulds expressed their interest in the program via a departmental survey about cross-training opportunities.

“It was rewarding to be able to experience something outside of my standard job duties for a day,” said Faulds.

“I had kids in my group that didn’t even think that they could do this task,” said Melvin, referring to the high ropes training course. “And before you knew it, it was over, and they had finished.”

“The activity was about team building but it was also about their personal growth,” she added.

Melvin and Faulds will continue to be involved throughout the school year as they assist with overseeing the student-led statewide committees.

“These two ladies were highly instrumental in the successful execution of this year’s leadership conference,” said Midkiff.  “I’m excited to have them continue to serve.”