Luke's Leaders


Luke’s Leaders is a weekly, after-school leadership development initiative developed by the Outreach and Justice Department of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. The program is dedicated to nurturing and empowering youth to become the next generation of change makers. At Luke’s Leaders, we believe that every young person has the potential to become a leader and make a positive impact in their community.

Leadership Summit

We are excited to announce the first Annual Leadership Summit for the Luke's Leaders Program to take place on January 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme of this year’s summit is the MLK “I Have a Dream...” speech, helping the students focus on the dream and creating an action plan for personal branding. This summit will provide an opportunity for students from all five cohorts to convene for common experience of leadership development. The day will include lunch, snacks, speakers, and a community service project.

The goals for the Leadership Summit are:

  • Gain awareness that each student is part of a big Leadership Development Program
  • Increase enthusiasm for their journey with Luke's Leaders
  • Sustain participation for a long-term commitment to Luke's Leaders
  • Drive each student’s own person development


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Our Mission

Our mission is to provide Washington Township students, aged 10 to 14, with transformative leadership development and community engagement opportunities. Through a combination of hands-on experiences, mentor ship, and partnerships with Local youth-serving organizations, we aim to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create meaningful changes. 

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How We Accomplish This:

We believe in empowering youth to discover their unique strengths and abilities, enabling them to take ownership of their futures and make informed decisions.

We embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms, fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

We recognize that collective action is the key to creating sustainable change. We actively promote collaboration among our participants, partners, and the broader community.

Stories from Parents & Students

In this article are just a few words, from parents & students, on what Luke's Leaders has meant to them.

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Luke's Leaders Program

Luke’s Leaders is a leadership development initiative developed by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for Washington Township Schools and offered through a collaboration of community organizations. Our partners for 2024-2025 are:


Students

Luke’s Leaders seeks a variety of Washington Township middle school students to participate. Most important is that the student has potential and a desire to develop their leadership skills. A variety of academic performance and leadership experience is desired and enhances the program.

Student Registration

6th graders from each middle school will meet at their respective middle school with the Peace Learning Center staff - Mentors from St. Luke’s UMC will also be in attendance.

Sessions will start on September 9, 2024, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Students will be picked up by parents or they may take the late bus home. Snacks will be provided. There will be 8 sessions in the fall and 8 sessions in the winter. Winter session will begin on January 15, 2025.



Seventh graders from each middle school will meet at St. Luke’s UMC with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis staff - Mentors from St. Luke’s UMC will also be in attendance & will provide transportation from school to St. Luke’s UMC.

Sessions will start on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at the church. Students will be picked up by parents by 6:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided. There will be 8 sessions in the fall and 8 sessions in the winter. Winter session will begin on January 15, 2025.

Eighth graders from each middle school will meet at St. Luke’s UMC with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis staff. - Mentors from St. Luke’s UMC will also be in attendance & will provide transportation from school to St. Luke’s UMC.

Sessions will start on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at the church. Students will be picked up by parents by 6:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided. There will be 8 sessions in the fall and 8 sessions in the winter. Winter session will begin on January 15, 2025.

High School Luke’s Leaders Alumni

Luke’s Leaders is inviting high school students to work side-by-side with the Luke’s Leaders adult volunteers working in the Program. We believe you can provide excellent mentorship to our middle school leadership students. You will be working as a Leadership Advisor for these programs: 8th grade - YMCA Youth in Government, 7th Grade - YMCA Leaders Club, and 6th Grade - Peace Learning Center.

Responsibilities include:

  • Working with group facilitators/leaders
  • Build relationships with students
  • Participate in sessions
  • Assist in classroom management


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Volunteers

We are SO proud of how our program has grown. From 14 students 3 years ago to almost 70 students last year, we hope to grow the program and impact even further this fall! This however is not possible without an outstanding group of St Luke’s volunteers. Here are some basics:

  • Student sessions will be on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. The Wednesday sessions are at St Luke’s from 5-6:30 pm, the Tuesday and Thursday programs are held at the schools – Northview, Westlane, and Eastwood from 4:30-6pm.
  • Your role as a volunteer includes attending 2/3rds of the sessions, get to know students, develop trusting relationships, engage in all facilitated activities along with the students as guided by the facilitators, and call out and address exceptions to expectations.
  • NEW THIS YEAR – we need 6 volunteer drivers! Help us shuttle students on Wednesday nights in one of our newly purchased passenger vans. These vans are like driving an SUV or minivan and DO NOT require a special license or training.

To sign up to volunteer contact Carl or Tom below!

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Contact Us!

Reach out to us to become a Luke's Leader, Volunteer or to Learn More.


 Contact Carl & Tom!