Leadership is intangible and has many definitions. Most good leaders are not aware of how or when they began providing leadership to a person or for an organization. They were simply doing what came naturally to them. They did not expect anything in return except perhaps the joy and pleasure of seeing someone or something succeed.

How does a leader acquire leadership skills and abilities? Does he or she learn it from education, life experiences or is it inherited? It is usually a combination of many things, but mainly from exposures to many people with many styles of leadership.

Leadership takes on a variety of roles and your involvement in leadership activities may actually change with any given environment.

The process often begins in early childhood with one’s parents, teachers and the church. As we travel through our formal education years, we begin to help others with volunteer efforts, supporting athletic teams or taking on classroom responsibilities. We do not realize during this time we are developing leadership skills.

While working in a successful career with State Farm Insurance Companies, I had the opportunity to work with some very talented people who provided much guidance and leadership. I was also able to help provide leadership for many new employees and watch their careers develop. I was always a strong advocate for and participant in community service.

Realizing the importance of the development of one's leadership skills both on and off the job and the confidence to share your knowledge and skills, is a great first step toward becoming a leader.

Cornbelt AMBUCS provided me with some great opportunities to do this over the past 20 years. Over time, I served in many leadership roles with this organization including president of the local chapter and more recently was a regional director on the national board.

Currently, I coordinate our therapeutic bike (AmTryke) program. In this role, I have been able to provide much guidance to therapists and client families on the benefits of seeing physically and/or mentally challenged children ride a bike for the first time. Every child should have that opportunity!

Do you recall how difficult it was when you wanted to go out and play with other children and could not because of illness or injury? Can you imagine the impact of hearing you would never be able to ride a bike with the other children in your neighborhood?

AMBUCS has developed several different therapeutic cycles called AmTrykes. They are adaptable to any challenged child’s needs. We get the thrill and satisfaction of seeing a child ride a bike for the first time. More importantly, we are empowering people with disabilities with an opportunity to seize their independence.

Before the proper bike can be ordered, AMBUCS provides leadership through training for the therapist to make sure they choose the right bike for that special person. We work closely with the parents to make sure they know the features the AmTryke will provide their child. We strongly encourage each child to wear a helmet whether indoors or outside. In fact, every AmTryke comes with a helmet. This is not a simple process but the benefits are most rewarding.

Being able to see a child smile for the first time as he or she rides a bike has provided many wonderful and rewarding moments for me as a volunteer leader.

- Al Bedell, AmTryke Chairman
Cornbelt AMBUCS