1. LeadershipPlenty Overview Rural Community College Institute March 26, 2003 David S. Boyd, AICP FOCUS St. Louis

2. Why LeadershipPlenty? Leadership is not a “problem” that is “solved once and for all. It is instead an evolving and crucial need that shifts and changes as communities change. The good news is that we live in communities of leadership plenty – that is, plenty of people with untapped talents to make their communities better places to live, work, and raise families. LeadershipPlenty is a powerful training program designed to equip citizens to take effective civic action.

3. LeadershipPlenty: Core Values 1 People working together can solve problems in their communities. Effective long-term solutions to community problems demand that people with diverse perspectives of the problem, especially those people most affected by the problem, be involved in developing and implementing the solution. By working together on meaningful problem-solving activities, people build relationships that benefit the long-term health of the community.

4. LeadershipPlenty: Core Values 2 Working together creatively and respectfully through honest acknowledgment of self-interests is a better strategy to address problems than an “us” against “them” approach. Community problem-solving efforts should be inclusive; they are strengthened by engaging people of different backgrounds and life experiences.

5. LeadershipPlenty: Core Values 3 Learning is a life-long activity; all individuals can learn new skills that will enhance their ability to participate in community problem solving; all individuals (including established leaders) can benefit from opportunities to develop and practice collaborative skills important to community problem solving.

6. LeadershipPlenty: For Everyone The training program is intended to equip people from all walks of like to participate more effectively in community problem-solving: For diverse citizens with no history of working together OR Groups that have been working together but want to increase their capacity to achieve results! Volunteer or Professional Public, Non-Profit, or For-Profit Sectors Neighborhoods, Citywide, or Regional Partnerships

7. LeadershipPlenty: Skills The training program identifies skills that are vital for people to develop in order to solve community problems: The Modules “build” on one another. The Modules are presented in logical Phases to address group assets, dynamics, management, and moving toward action. A deliberative dialogue practicum is strongly recommended to help the group deepen their understanding.

9. LeadershipPlenty: The Pilot 1997: Pew launches national leadership development program in ten cities. –Over 600 emerging/established leaders involved 2002: Thirteen National Partners enlisted, each with different goals and audiences: –American Planning Association to the League of Women Voters to Telephone Pioneers of America and More! National Partners enlist Local Affiliates Trainings Held: –Richmond, VA July 2002 –New Orleans, LA January 2003 General Call for Community Partners (fall 2003)

10. LeadershipPlenty: For More Information Visit the Pew Partnership for Civic Change www.Pew- Partnership.org Jim Knowles, Director of Communications knowles@pew-partnership.org (434) 971-2073