LITTLE FALLS-Giving young people across the region tools they need to succeed in civic leadership is the goal of the Initiative Foundation's Paths to Civic Engagement workshop series, an in-depth extension of the foundation's Emerging Leaders program.
Designed to give advanced training to almost 50 motivated community members under age 40, the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. sessions are one piece of a plan to address to the region's demographic shifts. They are scheduled for July 20, Aug. 3 and Aug. 17.
"We want to build the networks of these future leaders, provide customized training and help identify public service positions within the region that inspire them to take action," said Michelle Kiley, program coordinator and community development specialist at the Initiative Foundation, in a news release.
During the next 10 years, central Minnesota's population of people ages 65 and older is expected to grow by 49.5 percent, according to the Minnesota State Demographic Center. During the same time period, the region's population of working-age adults will increase by just 2 percent.
"This looming shift creates urgency for local governments, businesses and community organizations that are likely to feel the pinch when seeking skilled leaders," said Don Hickman, vice president for community and workforce development, in the release. "This series is focused on those interested in public service-serving in elected or appointed office, or as staff for local units of government-and will share tools, strategies and everyday best practices to help you seek and serve in these positions."
ADVERTISEMENT
More than 4,800 civic leadership positions-from school boards to city councils to county boards and state and federal offices-exist in central Minnesota, according to Initiative Foundation research.
"It all adds up to huge opportunities for those who are looking to grow in their work and civic lives in the region, where it's estimated that one out of every 27 people will need to take on a community leadership role as our population ages," the release stated.
The Paths to Civic Engagement sessions at the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls include workshops and presentations on:
• Ethical leadership,
• Interacting with the media,
• Effective governance models,
• Resolving conflict by working across generations and sectors, and
• Understanding the basics of government finance.
ADVERTISEMENT
Descriptions of each workshop are as follows:
• July 20: Understanding Local Government-The Call to Public Service.
Keynote speaker Don Ness, former mayor of Duluth, will launch the series with reflections on his experiences as a community leader. The day also will include an exploration of basic government structures; discussions on key community leadership roles; a review of government finance and potential funding options; and resources, deadlines and processes for filing for an elected office.
• Aug. 3: Tools for the Servant Leader.
Explore how core leadership values and ethics influence decisions. In this session, participants also learn about effective tools and strategies to work across generations, sectors and cultures by connecting to the overall community vision.
• Aug. 17: Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness.
Don Shelby, an investigative journalist, former news anchor and Peabody award winner, will speak on effectively framing a message with the media. In addition, this session will explore best practices in governance and identify ways to cultivate a healthy balance between public and private life.
Registration for the series is $90 and is open through June 22. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited to 50 next-generation leaders currently living and working in central Minnesota. A limited number of scholarships are available for those for whom cost is a barrier. To make a scholarship inquiry, send an email to Kiley at mkiley@ifound.org .
ADVERTISEMENT
Visit https://www.ifound.org/community/tci/emerging-leaders/ to register.
