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June 22, 2006 Rural Leadership Class Ends 1st Year of 2005-07 Program Beach City Auditor Kim Nunberg says the Rural Leadership North Dakota program has helped her become a more creative, innovative and resourceful leader. Nunberg is one of 18 members of RLND’s second class. The class recently wrapped up the first year of the 2005-07 program. “The first year of RLND has proven to be an overwhelmingly positive experience,” Nunberg says. “I anxiously await year two of RLND.” RLND is an interactive study and travel program offered through the North Dakota State University Extension Service. It’s designed to produce graduates with the vision and commitment to lead themselves, their organizations and their communities into the future. It helps them develop skills in working with people, using technology, speaking in public and bringing about positive change in their communities. “RLND has inspired me to grow personally and professionally, and has created a valuable network of contacts, along with creating friendships that will last a lifetime,” says Janel Lee, a bank cashier and bookkeeper from Grassy Butte. Members come from communities across the state and hold a variety of occupations. In addition to city auditor and bank employee, the group includes an accountant, nurse, crop adjuster, school curriculum developer, attorney, chamber of commerce executive and economic development specialist. The class has attended five of the 10 seminars scheduled throughout the state for the 2005-07 program, which started last fall. The topics for the first sessions included developing leadership skills, communicating effectively, learning to think critically and creatively, and project management and entrepreneurship. Class members have learned about leadership philosophy and practices; the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication; how to handle difficult situations, such as differences of opinion; innovative approaches to local and regional economic development; creative methods to finance economic development; how to encourage others to get involved in their community; the impact that festivals and other events can have on communities; and how to develop effective boards, councils and committees. “RLND has had an important effect on me in several ways,” says Jerod Tufte, an attorney from Dawson. “First, our seminars have given us each great opportunity for constructive reflection on our leadership and collaborative styles. I have learned better, more effective ways to communicate with those whose styles are different than mine.” Seminar topics for the program’s second year include communities’ culture and heritage, understanding the state’s rural and agricultural policies, resource management and the power of individuals working together. Class members also will take a six-day study tour of Washington, D.C., and create and implement a project in their organization and /or community that gives them an opportunity to use the skills they learn. “Rural Leadership North Dakota has surpassed all my expectations, and I had more than a few at the start,” says Jesse Handegard, training officer for the North Dakota Army National Guard medical detachment in Bismarck. ### Source: Marie
Hvidsten, (701) 231-5640, mhvidste@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Cutline: Rural Leadership North Dakota class members Jerod Tufte, left, Janel Lee, center, and Scott Kroeger create a job description for a volunteer or board member, making use of what they learned during a seminar in Valley City on developing effective boards, councils and committees. |
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