Southwest Initiative Foundation

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Apply now for the 2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort

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Are you passionate about making a difference in your community, but need the tools and confidence to step into more formal leadership roles?

Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is a leadership education program designed just for you. We’ll help you discover and build on your unique strengths so you can make a difference through local boards, commissions and elected positions.

Participants in Growing Local: Emerging Leaders gather for a large group photo in front of an indoor wall with windows.

You’d be a great fit for this program if you want to:

  • Find your voice and grow your confidence as a leader, so you can show up in your community with clarity and purpose.
  • Build a network of people who share your values to create connections that spark ideas, support, and collaboration.
  • Learn practical leadership skills you can use both in community work and in everyday life.
  • Take time to reflect on barriers to leadership and explore ways to move past challenges to create change.
  • Get a clear, approachable introduction to how local boards and commissions work, so you can leverage your unique skills and experiences to make an impact.

Who should apply?

This program is geared toward people who are interested in being more involved in local leadership through boards, commissions and elected leadership roles. To get the most out of the program, you should be at the start of your leadership journey. That can mean you have little to no experience, all the way up to two years of experience in community leadership roles. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply, especially if you identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color (BIPOC).

Applications for the 2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort are open March 4 through April 3.

Apply Now

Requirements for Participants

  • Be 18 years or older at the time of applying
  • Be able to speak and read English
  • Reside in one of the 18 counties or two Native nations that make up our region: Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift and Yellow Medicine counties; Caŋṡayapi Oyate (Lower Sioux Indian Community) and Peżihutazizi Oyate (Upper Sioux Community)
  • Have transportation to and from sessions
  • Commit to attending all program sessions (listed below) and related activities

There is no charge to participate in the program. Participants will receive a $100 stipend for each session to cover any related expenses. Participants in the 2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort will also be reimbursed for travel.

Program Sessions

Sessions will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A group of community leaders outside listening to someone speak.
Photo credit: University of Minnesota Extension
  • May 19 – Launching Your Community Leadership (Granite Falls)
  • June 23 – The Self-Aware Leader: Reflecting to Rise (Redwood Falls)
  • July 21 – Understanding Community, Culture, and Engagements (Madison)
  • August 3 – Willmar City Council (Willmar)
  • August 18 – Organizing Committees that Work and Navigating Conflict (Pipestone)
  • September 29 – Elevating Impact: Leading to Make a Difference (Wanda)
  • October 14 – Visionary Leadership, Action, and Celebration (New London)

For more information, contact:

Khou Lor
(320) 583-6579
[email protected]

NEW! Seeking mentors for emerging leaders

We are seeking locally rooted and inspired mentors for emerging leaders across Southwest Minnesota.

Many Growing Local: Emerging Leaders participants are first-time civic leaders. Mentorship involves three conversations with mentees over six months, sharing your leadership story, offering guidance, and helping cultivate confidence in the next generation of leaders. The time commitment is approximately 6 hours total.

You may be a fit if you:

  • Are willing to volunteer your time and energy
  • Are locally rooted and invested in Southwest Minnesota
  • Believe in cultivating the next generation of leaders
  • Are comfortable mentoring across racial and cultural differences
  • Lead with humility and curiosity
  • Understand that leadership is evolving
  • Are willing to share both mistakes and wisdom

How to get involved

Submit a Mentorship Interest Form or contact [email protected].

Submit a Mentorship Interest Form