October 16, 2003

Taking on the serious business of play, the University's Pacific Leadership Institute and the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies are hosting a night of fun and games on Friday at Fort Mason Center.

Built around the theme "Rethinking Leadership," the second annual fund-raiser will feature games and team activities aimed at developing leadership skills. This event will give students, community leaders and outdoor enthusiasts a chance to network and learn effective problem-solving techniques.

Organizers will demonstrate "play games" commonly used in Pacific Leadership Institute programs. Games such as "Zip, Zap, Zoe" and "Switch, Change and Rotate" are designed not only to motivate participants to get up and run around but also to encourage positive communication techniques and foster team building skills.

The games will be introduced by Drew McAdams, the Institute's program manager, and Ezra Holland, the Institute's director and a lecturer in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.

"We want to incorporate the essential idea of playing games as part of growth because games are not just for children," Holland said. "Playing builds confidence and we learn a lot by having fun."

During the live and silent auctions, participants can bid on kayak trips, sporting event tickets, leadership workshops, challenge courses and other outdoor adventures along with artwork and fine wines. Live entertainment will also be provided by Bay Area musicians.

The Institute offers leadership training and educational development through a variety of programs as it helps build the skills of youth and community members who want to be better leaders. Clients include youth groups, nonprofits, public schools and the corporate sector. The Institute also operates the Fort Miley Adventure Challenge Course located near the Cliff House where groups learn self confidence, teamwork, mutual trust and decision-making skills through a series of rope and ladder climbing activities.

The fund-raiser will provide scholarships to at-risk youth by giving them an opportunity to attend the ropes courses.

It starts at 7 p.m. at Fort Mason Center's Landmark Building A. Tickets are available at the door for $25. For details, contact the Pacific Leadership Institute at (415) 405-3737 or visit www.pliprograms.org.

-- Christina Holmes with Public Affairs Student Writer Audrey Tang

1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132    (415) 338-1111
Last modified October 15, 2003, by the Office of Public Affairs