Norman Riggs
Iowa State University Extension
5201 N.E. 14th St., Suite A
Des Moines, Iowa 50313-2005
(515) 261-4214, (515) 263-2704 fax

Alan Vandehaar
Iowa State University Extension
4301 Sergeant Rd., Suite 213
Sioux City, IA 51106
(712) 276-2157, (712) 276-6211 fax

Since the late 1980’s, leadership development programs have played a central role in Iowa State University Extension to Communities programming. Beginning in the early eighties, Iowa experienced seismic change. The farm crisis triggered a dramatic population exodus, leaving behind an aging population. Local economies and employment opportunities spiraled downward. An influx of new immigrants appeared on the scene. If communities were to successfully address these realities, a core of visionary and committed leaders would need to step forward.

In response, Extension has developed and tested several distinct leadership models over the past seventeen years. In the late eighties the Kellogg Foundation funded a three-year statewide program entitled Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT). This innovative program promoted “clustering” of communities to pool resources and promote cooperation. Beginning in 1999, this program was adapted and extended to Des Moines inner city residents.

In 2000, Extension launched Developing Dynamic Leaders (DDL), focusing on skill building content. In addition, several “hybrid” leadership programs have been conducted, combining elements of earlier leadership programs to include community “visualization,” exposure to vital segments of the community, mentoring, and completion of a community project. And last, Extension has recently developed and conducted several leadership programs for Hispanic residents, adapting the format and content to their cultural needs and aspirations.

This workshop will provide a broad brush stroke of the structure, content and unique qualities of each leadership program. Recruitment techniques will be outlined. Participant evaluations will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the respective programs. As a wrap-up, the presenters will examine the sustainability and impacts of each program—in short, “what works” and “what happened”?