Anyone who has been part of a community organization, from the civic group to the church choir, or the band boosters to the PTA, has probably noticed that there always seems to be a core group of people—maybe just a handful—who are involved in leadership. These are the people who rotate in and out of responsibilities, perhaps moving from board chairperson to carwash organizer or serving as both treasurer and 50/50 ticket broker. Looking around, it seems it is always the same people who are willing to get involved.

But, what happens when the core group of leaders retires or moves on? Where does the next generation come from? How can we learn the most from the strengths and successes of today’s leaders to grow a new cadre of leaders ready to accept the challenges of tomorrow?

The Barberton Community Foundation is meeting this challenge head on. Last week, a group of nearly 50 women gathered for the inaugural year and first session of the Barberton Women in Leadership Series at the Adult Active Center in Barberton.