York Region Kids Graduate From Allstate's Toastmasters Youth Leadership
Program

MARKHAM, ON, Nov. 22 /CNW/ - Today, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada hosted graduation ceremonies for its Youth Leadership Program, sponsored in conjunction with Allstate Canada , Golden Gavel and Richmond Hill Toastmasters Clubs.

The Youth Leadership Program is an informal course in the arts of communication and leadership from Toastmasters International. Twenty students from the Markham and Richmond Hill area, ranging in age from 13-17, took part in the course, with fifteen attending graduation ceremonies.

"Allstate is committed to building strong and vibrant communities and one way to accomplish this goal is to work with our young people to help them get the tools they need to be the leaders of tomorrow," said Chris Kiah , President & CEO, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada .

The eight-week hands-on workshop began in late September and taught participants crucial communications' tools and tactics, including:

    
    -   overcoming the nervousness everyone feels when asked to speak before
        an audience
    -   organizing and present ideas logically and convincingly
    -   listening carefully to others' ideas
    -   offering helpful advice that will help others improve their speaking
        and leadership skills - participating in - and even leading - group
        discussions or meetings.
    

At the graduation ceremonies, students organized a program showcasing some of the skills they learned during the course. Karim Premji, Allstate's Toastmaster's Club president and Toastmaster's area governor, delivered a keynote address. The graduates also received a Toastmaster's certificate.

"The workshop was a fun environment that allowed the kids to increase their self-confidence and have fun while learning and making new friends," Premji said.

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada produces and distributes home and auto insurance products right across Canada . The "Good Hands Network" enables consumers to contact Allstate through one of our over 500 exclusive community-based agents, directly on-line at www.allstate.ca, and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-ALLSTATE.

For further information: Darcy Bonner, Corporate Relations, [phone]