Eighteen North Dakotans have been chosen for Rural Leadership North Dakota's fourth class. The NDSU Extension Service leadership development program that begins this month allows participants to spend the next two years developing the skills to help them shape the future of their organization, community and state.
Class members will attend eight in-state workshops, a four-day seminar in Canada and a six-day seminar in Washington, D.C. They'll learn to think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, understand agricultural and rural policy, and find innovative ways to fund local and regional development projects. They also will create a network of contacts and resources they can tap into for ideas, answers and support.
To practice what they learn, participants will develop and implement a project to benefit their organization, community or region. Those proposed projects include starting a recycling program in Medora, developing the Goose River as a recreational corridor, organizing a Junior Achievement program in West Fargo schools, checking smoke alarm batteries for the elderly in the Bismarck area, increasing weather radar coverage for Bowman and Hettinger counties, and preserving the American Indian language at Fort Berthold.
The 2009-11 class members are Maureen Delzer, Ashley; Vivian Hall, Mandaree; April Haring, Oakes; Melissa Hennen, Hillsboro; Chet Hill, Williston; Teresa Huff, West Fargo; Jennifer Jordan, Langdon; Maeve MacSteves, Williston; Kevin McLean, West Fargo; Jennifer Ondracek, Medora; Christopher Schilken, Devils Lake; Kimberly Schuler, Langdon; Mary Siverson, Bismarck; Suzanne Sobolik, Dickinson; Medora Stevenson, Bowman; Deborah Tracy, Maddock; Ashley Ueckert, Sentinel Butte; and Jennifer Weisgerber, Tioga.
"I am excited to be able to take part in this opportunity, not only because of the knowledge I will gain but for the benefit for my community," Ueckert said.
For more information about Rural Leadership North Dakota, go to www.ag.ndsu.edu/rlnd or contact Marie Hvidsten, program director, at 1-5640 or e-mail to ndsu.ruralleadership@ndsu.edu.