In Brief...
EXCEL Class Participants Login
Northland EXCEL Partners
William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Friday, September 7, 2007
The 2007-08 Northland EXCEL program launched on Friday, September 7 with a potluck dinner at NNI’s offices. Participants enjoyed food and activities as well as a special presentation from Dr. Dan Kahler addressing, “What is Leadership?”
Orientation & Retreat
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Participants attended a daylong retreat at William Jewell’s Pryor Leadership Center. After learning their True Colors with Nancy Mense, participants were treated to a presentation by Kevin Green on having a vision for your community. Later, Todd Long, assisted participants in channeling their inner leadership styles, and Mary Jo Burton ended the day with a talk on strategic planning.
Demographics & Community Analysis
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Understanding demographic data and how it is used to affect public policy and development is key for community leaders. With that in mind, participants worked with John Blodgett of the Office of Social and Economic Data Anaysis (OSEDA) and Dr. Peter Eaton of UMKC’s Center for Economic Information (CEI) to navigate national, state, and local Internet resource with ease.
Education
Thursday, October 8, 2007
Since schools are an important anchor in the community, it is critical for leaders to understand the numerous issues they face today. With that in mind, participants worked through activities and heard presentations from Eastgate Vice Principal, Chris McCann, and Park Hill Community Education Program Specialist, Jeff Whitton, on how the education system is changing to meet the evolving needs of students and the broader community. The evening capped off with a discussion from CiCi’s Pizza’s Chris Perez concerning their partnerships with area schools to benefit kids and the community.
Social Services
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Use your eyes, ears and mouth to serve your community’s marginalized populations. Take time to observe and listen to people who may be in need of assistance. Assume nothing, and with the heart of a servant be willing to speak up for people who may not have a voice. All of these issues were presented Thursday evening by Karen Henry, Assistant to Representative Bob Onder. Additionally, participants left with a better understanding of what happens when people write their representatives or testify before the legislature on significant issues in the community.
Understanding Poverty
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The morning started off with an enlightening discussion concerning poverty in the Northland, given by the Local Investment Commission (LINC) Communications Director, Brent Schondelmeyer. Brent engaged participants in activities and discussions about the impact of mobility and resources that schools are able to provide low income children and families. Following his presentation, participants took part in a Poverty Simulation, led by Josh Hill, Communications Coordinator, of United Services Community Action Agency. During the simulation, participants worked in “families” to survive a month in poverty. By participating in this process, the class glimpsed into the life of DFS, transportation passes, evictions, childcare issues, pawn shops, and the theft of their only belongings. At the conclusion of the process, there was an opportunity to debrief about what they learned. On the way out the door, one participant said, “This was the best session yet. I learned so much.”
Community Infrastructure
Thursday, December 13, 2007
When considering community infrastructure, people often think of roads and bridges; but, it is also important to consider the landscape upon which it rests – the land, water features and air. With that in mind, participants worked through topic-driven information (industrial air quality, storm sewer concerns, tire dumping, and more) and discussed the regulatory measures with Adrienne Coppock, Environmental Specialist and Judy Bowman, Ombudsman, of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Stephen Van Rhein, Community Conservationist, Missouri Department of Conservation. The speakers implored participants to engage their communities in the residential, commercial and industrial development and regulation discourse as it is important to their communities’ futures.
State Government
Thursday, January 10, 2007
Often viewed as an enormous bureaucracy, state government has the possibility of turning people off from the start. However, it is vital that leaders wade through and let their voices be heard. There are numerous ways to be involved. Steve Roling, current President/CEO of Health Care Foundation and former State Director of Social Services and Scott Lakin of Lakin Consulting, former Missouri State Representative worked through a number of issues, which included: how a bill becomes law; accessing state department directors; political appointments; and, the importance of testifying before the legislature. Steve and Scott encouraged participants to take their concerns or causes to their state representatives and employees. By understanding state government structures and procedures as well as becoming more involved with the legislative committees, participants gained perspective on how the state makes a positive difference at the local level.
Local Government
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Community leaders are often put in positions of advocating to local officials on behalf of their neighborhoods. With that in mind (WC- need a different phrase), Northland EXCEL hosted speakers from the public and private sectors to learn more about how to "fight" to get what they need. The evening began with Darren Hennen and Dick Davis of Olsson Associates presenting general information about local government resposibilites as set forth by the Missouri State Constitution. Participants learned about the various classifications, special districts, and more. Later, a panel consisting of Troy Schulte, KCMO Budget Director; Tanya Finn, Weatherby Lake Alderwoman; Siobhann Williams, Platte County Auditor; and, Dean Katerndahl MARC Government Innovations Forum Director discussed how the various municipalities and county governments work together for the betterment of the entire area. All panelists applauded the participants for their work and encouraged them to continue their active engagement with local government.
Community Economic Development
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Often what we know about community economic development is learned from the paper, and all too often, it includes controversy. Bearing in mind that much of the success and viability of a community comes from the hard work of community and economic developers, it was important that our neighborhood leaders understand general principals and have the opportunity to dialogue with professionals in the field. Charles St. Clair, Community Development Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, started the evening with a general overview of community economic development, and Jeff Samborski, NKC Economic Developer and Jim Hampton of Clay County EDC, presented the local and regional initiatives accordingly.
Where do we go from here?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The final session of Northland EXCEL featured Kansas City Councilwoman Deb Hermann, KCPD North Patrol Officers Jim Silke and Dan Watts, and Zona Rosa General Manager, Rosemary Salerno (graduate of Lafayette County EXCEL). The Hereford House of Zona Rosa hosted the dinner and participants were treated to steak and salmon dinners courtesy of the Zona Rosa Foundation.
Graduation
Thursday, March 6, 2008
With much excitement and some sadness, the inaugural class of Northland EXCEL graduated at the Kansas City Missouri Police Academy on March 6th. Special presentations made by Police Chief James Corwin and NNI’s Executive Director Jim Rice encouraged participants to continue broadening their efforts into the community and remember the support of their fellow classmates. Afterwards, participants and their families enjoyed a dessert reception and visited long into the evening.
