U of M offers 'Growing Local Leadership' program for NW MN

MAHNOMEN — The University of Minnesota Extension Office is accepting applications and nominations for its "Growing Local Leadership" course.

"Northwest Minnesota needs new leaders. As Minnesotans age, they are seeking new leaders to step in to lead. And as civic organizations change, they need different kinds of leaders to face the future," stated a news release.

"Meanwhile, many community members aren't aware of existing leadership opportunities or haven’t yet been invited to contribute and lead."

The next cohort begins Oct. 11, with applications and nominations accepted through Sept. 15.

The hybrid course includes online and in-person meetups at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen. The U of M will consider participants across the 21 counties of northwest Minnesota.

Based on resident data, the U of M published a report on positional leadership across rural and urban Minnesota, documenting the number of governmental and nonprofit organizations across the state by county.

Hubbard County's demand for leadership is 1 in every 14 residents. Beltrami County's demand for leadership is 1 in every 17 residents.

Nominators are asked to consider young adults, college and higher-education students, new residents, empty nesters, people with disabilities, and any other underrepresented group as future leaders for their community.

"We call upon existing leaders, alumni of the Emerging Leadership Program, local government, health, and non-profit organizations to make a difference by nominating program participants," stated the release.

The program has a sliding scale fee that includes meals and lodging for the in-person sessions. Final cohort member invitations to participate will be sent out by Sept. 22.