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Forum program seeking new class members |
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009 |
By BRIAN HAWKINS
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Locals interested in becoming more engaged and in taking on a leadership role in the community have just over a week and a half to submit applications for the sixth class for Oktibbeha County’s leadership development program.
The Forum program is sponsored by the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and coordinated by the Community Resource Development unit of the Mississippi State Extension Service.
The Forum application deadline is July 20. Applications may be submitted at the GSDP offices on Main Street.
The 2008-2009 Forum class completed its work and graduated from the program Tuesday night. Its members included Joyce Allen, Mike Allen, Darlene Comish, Troy DeRego, Kim Johnson, Tyson Langston, Mandie Lewis, Susan McReynolds, Ashleigh Murdock, Maggie Peterson, Betsey Smith, Ginger Tedder and Antonio Sudduth.
The Forum is an initiative aimed at enhancing the leadership potential of emerging leaders in the community. Sessions are constructed in such a way that the program results in a comprehensive, interactive experience designed for minimal lecture and maximum dialogue, discussion, and application.
While foundational leadership principles serve as a basis for the program, community development, economic development, government, and communication components are incorporated for a complete and balanced training that encourages dynamic, outside-the-box thinking and community action.
Talents and skills of local residents can be used to evoke positive community change; therefore, this leadership approach is targeting people with diverse ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. Not only are current traditional leaders welcome, but grassroots citizens are highly encouraged to participate.
“The Forum has made significant impacts on the Oktibbeha County community through the development of such programs as the Johnny Cash Festival, Family Movie Night, the Starkville Dog Park, and the refurbishment of Moncrief Park,” said Alan Barefield, associate director of MSU’s Southern Rural Development Center and one of the coordinators of the FORUM program.
“The Forum is an excellent way for civic-minded residents of Oktibbeha County to become involved in a meaningful way in their community. It is an experiential learning experience that provides participants effective tools for initiating positive community change.”
To apply, the application form and three reference forms must be completed and returned by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Information about The Forum and application forms for the 2009-2010 class can be obtained online by visiting http://msucares.com/forum.
Copies of the application are also available at the GSDP offices in downtown Starkville during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Monday to Friday.
The fee to participate in The Forum is $600 per person. Applicants may be considered for a limited number of full and partial scholarships. Scholarship applications are available upon request.
The program consists of 15 sessions from August 2009 through June 2010. See the schedule for specific dates and times of the sessions. An attendance policy is noted on the application form.
Among the topics and issues to be covered during the sessions are managing groups effectively, resolving conflict, strategic planning, embracing diversity, effective communication, government, community/economic development and public issues.
Applicants selected to the 2009-2010 class of the Forum will be notified by mid-August, with tuition invoices mailed immediately following notification. Anyone with questions can contact Alan Barefield by e-mail at
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or by telephone at 325-3207.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 09 July 2009 )
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