Research has shown that “[i]f our communities are to adapt, prosper, and retain decision-making capabilities, it is essential that local leadership capacity be developed (Brennan, 2013).”
Iowa State University’s research on small towns in Iowa shows lower levels of social engagement and interaction, especially in civic organizations and local associations.
When people talk about the need for community members to come together, get more involved, and create positive community change, how inclusive are the conversations?
Many of our Iowa towns are seeing population growth because of immigrants, but are those new neighbors being included in community-issue discussions and actions?
Appanoose and Henry Counties will be the first communities in Iowa to experience the virtual delivery of Leading Communities, the Place-Based Community Leadership Program offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development (CED). In response to COVID-19’s requirement for physical distancing without losing social contact, CED specialists and faculty continue to adapt to the changing needs of Iowa communities.
Community leadership is the process of bringing people together to create change for the good of the community. Leading Communities: A Place-Based Leadership Program is a modular and interactive community leadership program.
Dynamic. That’s a word we use to describe the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program Leading Communities. We describe the program as dynamic because we want to always be able to adapt the program to the current and emerging community leadership and engagement needs of our Iowa counties. A research-based community engagement program, Leading Communities was developed and is provided to Iowa communities by community development specialists in Community and Economic Development.
