Session description: For my entire life, I have been very fortunate to become involved and engaged in my local community in Tampa Bay serving with the Clearwater Charter Review Committee, the St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport, and the Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition to name a few organizations. I believe what is unique about all of these experiences is that they are uncommon for someone my age, (20) and they have given me a greater understanding of the place that we call home than others might have. I think that there may be a lack of involvement and focus on local government for several reasons such as not knowing where to get engaged/involved, worry that no one will care about an individuals voice, or thinking volunteering locally will not make a difference. If I am fortunate enough to speak, I would like to discuss how leadership can be defined through local government, what resources are available for people to get involved, and how interested individuals can make a significant difference in their community.

Bio:  Sean Schrader is an incoming senior at the University of South Florida studying Business Management. For the majority of Sean’s life, he has been involved in his local community working with organizations such as the YMCA of the Suncoast, the Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition, and the Clearwater Charter Review Committee. Currently, Sean serves as a Senator in the USF Student Government and is the Clearwater At-Large Representative on the St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport Noise Abatement Task Force. Sean believes that all of these experiences are unique and have helped him realize that opportunities to make significant positive impacts in the Tampa Bay community are much easier to find than some may think.