Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Olin and Oxford Junction are small, rural communities in Jones County facing multiple issues of a poverty rate over 10%, an aging population, and various economic issues. Community members and leaders were seeking effective ways to address these issues. According to the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, “broad-based community leadership is critical for long-term, positive community change

Response:
The Horizons project, sponsored by the Northwest Area Foundation and implemented in Iowa through Iowa State University Extension, provided an opportunity to develop and strengthen leaders in Olin and Oxford Junction. The LeadershipPlenty® curriculum from the Pew Partnership for Civic Change focuses on “primary civic skills that enable graduates to confidently identify problems in their communities and implement a plan of action to combat those problems.” Three facilitators from each community attended a three-day seminar and then led 25 participants in Olin and 32 participants in Oxford Junction through 30 hours of weekly sessions. Pew Partnership states that “The goal is to make civic leadership training available to those who may not consider themselves leaders but have much to offer their communities and to strengthen the skills of those who hold leadership positions.”

Impact:
Community members from Olin and Oxford Junction shared the following impact of LeadershipPlenty® in their communities. Oxford Junction's newly elected mayor has been an active participant in all phases of the Horizons project, including the LeadershipPlenty® series. While serving on the city council, a series of stressful events occurred and he was appointed to complete the term of the then current mayor. What he learned through LeadershipPlenty® convinced him to run for a full term when elections were held in the fall. He says that the Horizons project has convinced him that the city can improve with good leadership. A study circle facilitator and LeadershipPlenty® participant was elected to her first term on the Oxford Junction City Council. The Horizons program increased her awareness of the strengths of the community and the need to build on those strengths. She also discovered through LeadershipPlenty® that her education and occupation provided her with skills to contribute to the community as a council person. A certified Leadership Plenty® trainer from Olin has joined the Olin Economic Development Commission. The OEDC has had some struggles for the past two years resulting from a lack of solid leadership. With the addition of this LeadershipPlenty® facilitator, the commission has initiated new projects to benefit the citizens of Olin. The first impact was a “Meet the Candidates” forum, sponsored by OEDC, to give all residents an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates prior to the city election in November. The LeadershipPlenty® facilitator designed an agenda with timelines for the evening. He also facilitated the question and answer time which helped to keep the focus on the purpose of the evening. Another impact is in progress. The City has applied for a Housing Rehabilitation Grant to assist families with limited resources. The OEDC is assisting the Council of Governments with the application process. The forgivable loan program will allow more homes to be improved which will make Olin more appealing to new families with limited resources. The LeadershipPlenty® facilitator is actively involved in this effort as well as serving on a Visioning committee focusing on housing issues.

Other Staff Involved:
City of Oxford Junction , Horizons community City of Olin, Horizons community

Contact:
Phyllis Zalenski
Jones County Extension
605 E Main St
Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-2791
zalenski@iastate.edu