Free leadership classes offered by WSU extension

June 28, 2007

WSU Wahkiakum County Extension and the Horizons Program are sponsoring free community leadership classes over the next several weeks. The series, called LeadershipPlenty, is designed to equip citizens with skills in effective communication, conflict management, and partnership building.

LeadershipPlenty is an intensive training program developed by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change for people who want to work with others to take action in their communities. It is open to teens and adults. Diversity is welcome and encouraged. Clock hours and continuing education credits are available, and fuel cards are available to all participants. Additionally, meals are provided; and childcare or funds for childcare and eldercare are available.

Skamokawa classes will be held on Tuesdays, June 26, July 10, July 17, July 24, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Skamokawa Methodist Church. RSVP for dinner and childcare.

Cathlamet classes will be held June 30, July 14, and July 28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Wahkiakum High School. Lunch will be provided with an RSVP.

The final wrap up and awards will be held July 31, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Skamokawa Methodist Church.

Topics will include identifying community assets, managing conflict, planning for action, managing groups, making meetings work better, creating partnerships, measuring results, and race relations. Participants are encouraged to attend as many classes as possible, but they are not required to attend all sessions.

Classes are taught by Wahkiakum County citizens recently trained and certified as LeadershipPlenty instructors. LeadershipPlenty is part of the 18-month Horizons program, a community development program that seeks to build thriving communities through community leadership. It is coordinated locally by WSU Wahkiakum County Extension, and funded by the Northwest Area Foundation.