Utah's former governor Norm Bangerter told youth leaders that they should plan to become politically involved and that they should align themselves with a political party. But they don't always have to agree with the party they have chosen.
"You can belong to either party and be effective as long as you don't give your soul to the party," he said. An occasional lapse from the party platform, based on real conviction, may be healthy.Bangerter was the first speaker in a series who will address the Youth Excellence Program. The teenagers from area high schools met at the University of Utah Union Building for the initial seminar in what will be a yearlong program aimed at acquainting them with their potential for contributing positively to society.
Youth leaders are likely to have opportunities put before them, but if they aren't ready, it won't make any difference, Bangerter said.
Getting a good education helps prepare young people to capitalize on the opportunities that present themselves.
Bangerter also told the youths that leadership involves learning to be a good follower as well. "Following others is one of the main ingredients of leadership," he said.
And none of the qualities of leadership matters without dependability, he said.