Leadership River Falls

Mission: Leadership River Falls is dedicated to providing a comprehensive learning experience that cultivates community leadership while participants explore key community issues and avenues of involvement.

Program: Following a one-day retreat in, participants typically meet for a full-day session the first Thursday of each month, October through May. The program focuses on applying leadership skills to facets of the River Falls community including natural resources, government, community life, business/industry, education, health/human services, and heritage. In addition, the class works on a project designed to enhance awareness of community problems and identify systems and methods to affect change.

Goals and Objectives:

The program’s goal is to prepare future community leaders for positions of responsibility by:

• Acquainting them with significant community processes, programs and problems
• Teaching them about involvement opportunities, special challenges and demands using forums with current leaders
• Improving understanding of various economic, social and political forces impacting the community
• Providing a network of new community talent for service on public and private commissions, agencies, organizations and associations
• Educating and counseling leaders on skills necessary to become more objective
• Encouraging placement of graduates in key leadership positions in the community

Qualifications:

• A sincere concern about the future of our state and commitment to help shape its future
• Commitment through past and present community involvement
• A demonstrated capacity for leadership within the individual’s own organization
• A willingness to commit the energy necessary to complete the program, including monthly attendance at all sessions

Local Experience and Topics:

The sessions generally meet on the first Thursday of each month and are designed to provide information on community processes and answer the question, “What can I, as a concerned community leader, do to foster positive change in the River Falls area?” Participants will meet monthly (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) to learn more about the community leadership topics listed below. Topics for these sessions will include skills such as teamwork, goal setting and action planning, ethical leadership, defining a shared vision, and motivation.