Southwest Initiative Foundation

Southwest Initiative Foundation / Building Resilient Communities / 2024 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders

2024 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders

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.

A group of emerging leaders participants stand together in two rows and pose for a photo at their final gathering.

Partnering with the University of Minnesota Extension, we offer a dynamic program where you can:

  • Boost your confidence as a leader.
  • Learn about board and commission structures.
  • Gain valuable tools and resources to navigate your leadership journey.
  • Connect with a supportive network of emerging leaders and mentors.
  • Make a lasting impact on the places and people you care about.

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).

Thank you for your interest in Growing Local: Emerging Leaders! The application deadline was March 11, 2024, and applications have now closed.

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 will also be reimbursed for travel.

Program Sessions

  • April 30, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Granite Falls: Launching Your Community Leadership
  • May 28, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Redwood Falls: Developing Effective Communication Skills
  • June 18, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Madison: Discovering Your Strengths
  • July 23, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Glencoe: Understanding Community, Culture and Engagement
  • August 20, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Hutchinson: Organizing Committees that Work
  • September 17, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Willmar: Navigating and Leading through Conflict
  • October 15, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Worthington: Using Emotional Intelligence and Courageous Followership
  • November 12, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Olivia: Stepping into Visionary Leadership, Action and Celebration
  • (Date TBD): Networking Event, Connect with Experienced Local Leaders

For more information, contact:

Khou Lor
(320) 583-6579
Email Khou