In Brief...
EXCEL Class Participants Login
Northland EXCEL Partners
William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Friday, January 9, 2009
The 2009 Northland EXCEL program launched on Friday, January 9th with a catered dinner NNI’s offices. Participants enjoyed food and activities as well as a special presentation from Bob Berkibile, Principal Founder of BNIM, regarding the joy that comes from being open to new leadership roles.
Orientation & Retreat
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Participants attended a daylong retreat at Winnetonka High School. After learning their “True Colors” with Nancy Mense, participants spent time applying what they learned to working with others who have a different “True Color.” After lunch, Charles St. Clair and Jennifer Presberry spent time discussing census data and how it is used by officials to make decisions in their neighborhoods. Participants spent time reviewing various maps and data to get a sense of the demographic makeup of their communities.
Discovering the Leader Within
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Saturdays are made for fun and the EXCEL participants had a great time at Ernest Shepard Youth Center, engaging in team and individual leadership activities led by Nancy Mense and Sheila Bruns. It is easy to see this class is full of great leaders and followers who enjoy encouraging as well as challenging one another to be successful.
Leadership Theory 101
Thursday, January 22, 2009
“Find the parade and get in front” is an old leadership theory. In this session, EXCEL participants explored different types and styles of leadership and identified their own motivations to be leaders using the power/achievement/altruism scale. Examples of each type of leader presented in this scale were discussed and analyzed. Participants also completed the Social Change Leadership Inventory to discover their strengths in creating change, collaboration, and civic leadership. It was generally agreed that there are many ways to be leaders.
State Government
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Dr. David Valentine, research associate professor in the Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, introduced EXCEL participants to the complexities of state government, including: the organization of the legislature; the legislative process; executive functions; judicial structure; and, funding issues affecting local governments, neighborhoods and individuals. The issue of term limits led to a lengthy discussion about the merits of elected officials remaining in office for several years versus being required to leave after a specified period. Neighborhood organizations often face a similar situation: because it is sometimes difficult to get people to accept leadership positions, those who do often stay in those positions for long periods of time with the result that new ideas are not introduced or are not accepted. On the other hand, when long-time leaders leave their positions, “institutional memory” is sometime lost.
Local Government
Thursday, February 19, 2009
New leaders are often called upon to voice neighborhood concerns to local government officials, which can often be a daunting and confusing process. In order to clarify the process, Northland EXCEL hosted Darren Hennen of Olsson Associates to explain the various nuances of local government, including how the state constitution affects county and municipal government; how special districts are set up and how they operate; and, why it seems to take awhile for certain issues to be resolved. The night was filled with questions and dialogue and everyone walked away feeling better equipped to address their municipal officials.
Community Infrastructure
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Many leaders are often asked how and why things were built a certain way in their community. To answer many of those questions, Northland EXCEL hosted Daniel Erickson, Director of Planning & Zoning for Platte County. Daniel spent the evening discussing the diverse topography of the Northland, especially Platte County; how the landscape affects development; and, how development can impact the landscape. In addition, Daniel gave examples of how officials and developers thought they had a handle on the physical landscape but the landscape pushed back; and, now there are consequences that must be addressed.
Dialogue I
Thursday, March 19, 2009
With lots of ground covered over the last few weeks, it was time to step back and take time to answer questions about the material covered thus far. The goal of the course is to expose participants to loads of information; but, it is critical for there to be time to process in order for new leaders to be effective.
Along with process time, facilitators introduced a new component of the Northland EXCEL program this year, a case study. Participants were given time to review the case, a group home proposal for adult men with developmental disabilities, and they were given time to discuss their initial reactions. The facilitators then divided the group into those who are for or against the proposal. Each group will develop a presentation to deliver at the mock city council hearing in June; and, the city council will vote for or against the proposed home, with on caveat. Details to come.
Poverty Simulation
Saturday, April 4, 2009
“Walk a mile in my shoes” was the theme of the day. The morning started with a presentation from Brent Schondelmeyer, Communications Director at the Local Investment Commission (LINC), who framed the issue of poverty in the Northland by discussing the impact of foreclosures and child mobility and how these topics are affecting families in the North Kansas City School District. After completing his presentation, participants took part in a Poverty Simulation, led by staff with the 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 banks that did not always have their best interest in mind.
Education
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The landscape of education in the United States has changed dramatically in the last few decades; and, as an important anchor to the community, neighborhood leaders must have an understanding of how things have changed. Chris McCann, Eastgate Middle School Vice Principal, and Nicole Kirby, Communications and Community Relations Coordinator discussed the demographic changes within the school systems and how each district’s programs are expanding to meet the evolving needs of students and the broader community. Erik Bergrud, Director, International Center for Civic Engagement and Special Assistant to the President for University Projects on Civic Engagement, wrapped up the evening by discussing Park University’s commitment to serving the community and the accessibility of programs offered on campus.
Community Economic Development
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Much of the success and viability of a community comes from the hard work of community and economic developers. It is important that neighborhood leaders understand general principals and have the opportunity to dialogue with professionals in the field. Melinda Mahaffey, economic development director for the City of Gladstone, gave an overview of the field and discussed the challenges and successes of working in a city the size of Gladstone. She particularly emphasized the development of Gladstone’s town center concept and the new community center which will anchor the project.
Dialogue II
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Public Safety
Thursday, May 21, 2009
City Hall Project
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Where Do We Go From Here?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Graduation
Thursday, June 25, 2009