Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
WASHINGTON – A Daviess County program that develops future leaders is accepting applications for the 2024-25 class.
The application deadline is Nov. 1 for the next class of Leadership Daviess County, a community leadership program that builds stronger connections between individuals and their community, while developing leadership skills.
Facilitated by the local Purdue Extension office, class sessions will cover the following concepts specific to Daviess County:
- Demographics
- Education and Workforce Development
- Economic Development and Quality of Place
- Local Government
- Community Health
Participants will also learn about the elements of community leadership, which include:
- Nature of Leadership
- Cultural Awareness
- Interpersonal Communication
- Personality Strengths
- Serving on Boards and Committees
- Conflict Management
- Strategy Planning
- Team Building
“The local program is a great way for future leaders, young and old, to get involved in their community by learning about the county, while receiving leadership development training that will allow them to make a difference in their community,” said Tom Schaffer, president of the Daviess County Council. “Specifically, the program provides the opportunity to learn about economic development within the county, exposes them to both local and state government, and provides the opportunity to become a servant leader. The leadership development portion of the program provides the opportunity for an individual to explore and enhance their involvement in local not for profit organizations to eventually create a more vibrant community.”
Schaffer said he became involved with Leadership Daviess County after graduating from the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program. He saw firsthand the benefits of the program through his son, Travis, a member of the first Leadership Daviess County cohort.
“I believe the first item needed for a program like LDC is a great facilitator, we have that locally with our Purdue Extension Program director, Cindy Barber,” Schaffer said. “Daviess County assisted Pike, Knox, Greene and Martin counties with their leadership program with the help of Cindy.”
LDC takes the approach that leadership is born out of knowledge.
That’s why the sessions include the role of local economic development, local and state government and the role of nonprofit organizations. This information is complemented by leadership development training so the participants become skilled and knowledgeable leaders to help move the county forward in the future.
“I fully endorse the program and would encourage individuals who wish to become more involved in the community to make the commitment to the Leadership Daviess program, so that they can make a difference,” Schaffer said. “The time investment is minimal when you consider the personal and professional growth offered by this program.”
Program dates/details
Orientation (optional) Nov. 12, noon to 1 p.m.
Opening Retreat (mandatory) Nov. 20-21 at Pleasant Grove Farm in Lyons.
Regular sessions held third Thursdays, 8 am to 4 p.m. December 2024-May 2025 at various locations throughout Daviess County. The class will visit the Indiana Statehouse during the 2025 legislative session and graduation is tentatively scheduled for May 29, 2025.
For more information contact:
Cindy Barber, County Extension Director via email: [email protected] or phone (o) 812-254-8668, (m) 812-617-5206.