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Leadership and civic engagement
"One person can make a difference, and everyone should try."
— John F. Kennedy
Extension is in the business of growing leaders and strengthening leadership. We believe that sound leadership will create a better future for Minnesota. See what we have to offer.
Ways Extension can help
Expanding community involvement
We help community leaders make better decisions and design more effective meetings. We teach leaders how to create stronger connections with community members.
Growing community leaders
Leadership education helps communities grow their local leadership capacity.
Our community approach and models
Our approach to leadership and civic engagement is grounded in research. But we always keep the real needs of communities in mind.
Strengthening tribal leadership
We work to engage with tribal leaders and strengthen tribal partnerships and communities in Minnesota.
For your community
Find educational resources below that include articles, podcasts and videos to help strengthen leadership skills and community engagement.
Building trust in communities
Social capital is the glue that holds communities together. Learn about building trust and basic ways to grow it every day.
Impact of charismatic leaders
How do charismatic leaders impact communities? Learn how the relationship between them and their followers offers key insights to experienced and future community leaders.
Public engagement strategies
How do you engage with the public? Find resources to help you increase public involvement, assist with meeting planning and facilitation, and make group decisions.
Navigating conflict
How are you managing conflict? Dive into our self-paced course to grow and re-energize your skills around conflict, rebuilding trust, and more.
News and insights
Explore our community news and insights page for current topics on leadership and civic engagement.
Reimagining the path: Four lessons for navigating change
() While the process to redesign and innovate may be daunting, change is often necessary when working with partners on long-term projects or impact. Discover helpful tips for leading a community or…
Leading the way: six tips for energizing your small community
() Especially when you're wearing many hats, it can be hard to step away from existing tasks and create energy for a new idea. Discover six ways to strengthen your engagement and keep momentum going.
Better together: shared interdependence connects rural and urban communities
() Ellen Wolter wanted to start a new kind of conversation — one that shows rural and urban areas are connected and dependent on each other.
MARL maximizes impact of Minnesota’s agricultural and rural leaders
() For the past 25 years, MARL has helped more than 380 rural Minnesotans. Leaders and alumni share how the program helps people grow leadership skills and connect with others.
Podcasts
Listen to conversations about the interdependent relationship between rural and urban spaces on our Side by Side podcast.
More community conversations
Our podcast series, Indigenized Connections On Air, highlighted the path to leadership for some Minnesota leaders.
For program alumni
"I will become more involved in my community. No more staying behind the scenes."
— Tina Swanson, Emerging Leadership Program, 2016
Alumni resources
Extension strengthens the leadership and civic engagement skills of community members across Minnesota. Our educators have guided thousands of participants through their leadership journey.
Consult with us
Community economics • Leadership and civic engagement • Tourism
Extension educators work in communities with partners throughout Minnesota. Contact us for consultation, guidance and conversation about your community.
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