The Forum: A Comprehensive Approach to Community Leadership

Success Story

The Community Resource Development unit of Mississippi State University Extension Service was given the opportunity to develop, coordinate, and provide technical assistance to a new leadership initiative for the residents of Starkville and Oktibbeha County in 2004.

THE FORUM: Oktibbeha County Leadership Development is an initiative aimed at enhancing the leadership potential of emerging leaders in the community. Sessions are constructed in such a way that the program results in a comprehensive, interactive experience designed for minimal lecture and maximum dialogue, discussion, and application.

While foundational leadership principles serve as a basis for the program, community development, economic development, government, and communication components are incorporated for a complete and balanced training that encourages dynamic, outside-the-box thinking and community action.

Talents and skills of local residents can be used to evoke positive community change; therefore, this leadership approach is targeting people with diverse ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. Not only are current traditional leaders welcome, but grassroots citizens are highly encouraged to participate.

The purpose is to not only teach the ins and outs of the community, but to involve emerging leaders in the community. Individual research projects combined with community team projects engage participants during the ten-month program and beyond.