Earlier this fall, a group of union leaders participated in a leadership development training organized by One Voice United, traveling to Gettysburg and Philadelphia to explore decision-making, leadership under pressure, and innovative approaches to justice.
At Gettysburg, the team walked the historic battlefield where leaders faced some of the most difficult decisions of the Civil War. The Gettysburg Foundation’s immersive leadership program used the battlefield as a classroom, helping participants reflect on strategic vision, communication, and moral courage. The training emphasized how leaders in 1863 navigated uncertainty, incomplete information, and high-stakes choices—lessons still relevant today.
Sarah Kirkendall shared, “Standing on the ground where history was made, I realized leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the courage to act when the path isn’t clear.”
On the final day, the group visited SCI Chester in Philadelphia to tour “Little Scandinavia,” a prison unit modeled after Norway’s correctional system. Since opening in 2022, the unit has shown promising results: fewer incidents, improved staff morale, and a stronger sense of community among residents. The unit features single cells, a communal kitchen, green space, and a design that encourages dignity and rehabilitation.
Angie Tate reflected, “Little Scandinavia showed us what’s possible when you treat people with respect. The staff were engaged, the residents were hopeful, and the entire space felt like it was built for healing,, not punishment. It shows that a safer environment can be achieved when you work together.”
This trip was more than a training it was a reminder that leadership is about vision, empathy, and the willingness to challenge old systems. Whether on the battlefield or inside a prison, the lessons were clear: real change starts with courageous leadership.
