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December 9, 2004 Rural Leadership North Dakota Starts Second Year Rural Leadership North Dakota began the second half of its two-year program with a learning and networking session Nov. 18-20 in Bismarck. RLND is an interactive study and travel program designed to assist North Dakotans to become effective leaders who can help their organizations, rural communities and state grow and prosper. It’s offered through the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Participants attend eight seminars and a six-day study tour during the two-year program. They also work on a project in their community or organization that allows them to practice the skills they learned. The program started in fall 2003. "The RLND program has forever enriched my life,” said Rene Johnson of Watford City. She is one of the 24 people in the class. The class started its Bismarck session at the North Dakota Association of Counties, where Executive Director Mark Johnson gave a speech on Teddy Roosevelt and talked about the association’s mission. The DISC personality assessment was the main study topic for the seminar’s first day. The participants took an online assessment before the session started. During the session, presenter Melvin Nelson, president and CEO of Executive Management, spoke about how various types of personalities work together. He also gave class members pointers on how to enhance their strengths and ability to work with all the personality types in a community. "I really enjoyed the DISC presentation,” said participant Kelli Schollmeyer of Killdeer. “I not only learned about who I am, but also learned how someone different than you may be more compatible in a group discussion.” The second day’s activities included a tour of the North Dakota Capitol and meetings with Justices Mary Maring and William Neumann at the North Dakota Supreme Court chambers for a discussion of the court and its work; John Olsrud, director of the Legislative Council, for an inside look at how legislation proceeds through the North Dakota Legislature; and two of Gov. John Hoeven’s staff, Lance Gaebbe and James Burgum. Gaebbe discussed the Hoeven administration’s goals and accomplishments. Burgum gave a presentation on the Operation Intern initiative. Richard Rathge, director of the North Dakota State Data Center, gave a video conference presentation on the demographic changes in the state and the implications of those changes. "What surprised me at this seminar is what Richard Rathge said, that we are not as dependent on agriculture as I thought we were," said participant John Zetocha of Oakes. Other activities that day included a visit to the Commerce Department for reports on the state’s efforts in tourism, economic development, finance, the Renaissance Zone program, and energy programs and services, especially wind energy. The group also took a tour of the Department of Emergency Management/Homeland Security and learned about the 911 state radio response team. "I didn't realize we had such an updated and hi-tech emergency management service,” said class member Vicki Monsen of Watford City. “It was very impressive." On the final day, Kevin Dvorak, executive director of the North Dakota Community Foundation, gave the group pointers on grant writing. The group also did some planning for a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., in late January and finalized its mission statement. The group said the wording reflects what they wish to do and to be as the first class of Rural Leadership North Dakota. The mission statement is: “RLND 2005 is a diverse group of pioneers for progress who has a passion, hope, and a commitment to North Dakota's future. We believe in empowering and helping people by developing excellence in leadership and partnerships in our communities.” For more information about RLND, check out its Web site, www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/rlnd, or contact Marie Hvidsten, program director, at (701) 231-5803 or r-leader@ndsuext.nodak.edu. ### Source:
Marie Hvidsten, (701) 231-5803, marie.hvidsten@ndsu.edu
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