Stone Soup - Leadership Institute

Mike Sweeney Letter

December 3, 1999
Dear Friends,

Having just returned from the Cincinnati Stone Soup Leadership Training on November 12-14, I wanted you to know that it was an extraordinary event. Marianne Larned and her team from the book, Stone Soup for the World made a powerful and lasting contribution to the Cincinnati community.

Nearly 100 representatives including 20 teens shared this incredible experience -- including the American Red Cross, the Urban League, church leaders, social service agencies, Teen Response, Miami University, Xavier High School, Ursuline Academy and other public, private and charter schools. With little in common except a passion for working with children, these emerging leaders experienced first hand the "Stone Soup" phenomenon.

As a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and as its next Board President, I believe this represents a unique opportunity for our community. The stories in Marianne's book represent the very best in the human spirit. Like most of you, I believe passionately in the ability of one person to make a difference. Imagine our society if we could teach our children to share this belief. Like we discussed that weekend, it only takes one stone to change the course of a river!

The Stone Soup Leadership Training provides a framework for allowing our community to teach our children this lesson. The approach taken in this training was refreshing and enlightening. I truly believe any organization involved with youth will find its ability to serve children enhanced because of this training. Sponsors of the training included the Meijer Corporation and others (see enclosed list). Watch for Monday, Dec. 13 for a follow up editorial in the Cincinnati Enquirer.

I invite you to learn more about the Stone Soup Leadership Institute and encourage you to get involved in future activities. If you would like to motivate your staff or grant recipients, you should think about sending them to the next Leadership Training program. Graduates from the first training will participate as Stone Soup "Fellows" where they will work with leaders of change from around the world. If you are interested in sponsoring one of them, call Gale Smith at 513-564-8747.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for making a difference and best wishes for a great 2000!

Sincerely,

Michael P. Sweeney
Board President
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati