Building leaders

Times Contributor

 

Is your organization having trouble overcoming obstacles and meeting new challenges? Have you newly moved into a leadership role and wished there were some resources to guide your way? Then the new leadership program that Teri McKinnon, the Regional Education Representative for Bow Valley College introduced to Wheatland Council on August 20, may be useful to you.

“We know that what it means to be a leader is drastically changing,” said McKinnon. 

She said families already have fast paced lifestyles and fitting in volunteer time is a challenge. Studies have identified that there is a gap in communication between generations and youth leadership and mentoring could be improved. Organizations or businesses often have barriers that traditional methods don’t seem to address. McKinnon said there is a need for new problem solving stratagems. She said the Becoming a Community Leader course has components to address these issues. 

McKinnon said that the good thing about this course is that the material is an investment and is owned by the community forever. The material can be used by community organizations or checked out at the library in future years. The course runs 15 weeks and is offered online, and can be accessed on handheld devices and in any location. There are streamed components that can be recorded and viewed at the participant’s convenience. There are also two appearances by humanitarian, business leader and motivational speaker Ian Hill. A celebration is scheduled for the end of the course.

This program was made possible through a grant given to the college, in view of its educational success in the past. Strathmore is one of 20 communities selected for participation, and success results will contribute to a report at the end of the process. If the process is successful, it may be adapted for use nationwide.

“The competitive side of me wants our community to come out on top,” said McKinnon, but clarified her main goal is to give residents the tools to solve leadership problems that will contribute to individual and community goal achievement and involvement.

McKinnon will be introducing the program to the community in September and it will be available in October. Those interested can contact McKinnon at 403-462-2550. She encourages registering early as there is limited enrollment. 

Wheatland Council contributed $1,000 towards the $7,500 remainder needed to finance the course. McKinnon will be making presentations to other agencies in the coming weeks. Funds donated are an investment in individuals and community organizations that will be evident as money well spent for years to come.