New program is geared to people seeking public office, leadership positions

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Participants are sought for the Rural Advocacy and Public Leadership Program, which will begin on January 31. The program is  designed for people interested in strengthening democracy and supporting the development of good governance in their local rural community.

The Rural Advocacy and Public Leadership Program is a free six-month leadership and advocacy course designed for people interested in strengthening democracy and supporting the development of good governance in their local rural community.

Participants will meet for four hours one Saturday a month from January 31 to May 23. Classes include both online and in-person gatherings in west central Minnesota.

The program draws on and connects with the Master of Advocacy and Political Leadership (MAPL) at Metro State, a Minnesota State System Institution, and will offer each participant 4 credits towards a Bachelor of Arts or a Master of Arts degree. 

Professor and Co-Director Adrienne Falcón and local scholar and artist Kandace Creel Falcón will lead the classes.

The course will provide participants with readings, videos, podcasts, and presentations from guest speakers. Cohort members will spend time collaborating and developing a local “hands-on” project to address an issue in your community. 

This course is for people from the public and nonprofit sectors, including those who are:

• Serving in leadership positions.

• Interested in elected office.

• Pursuing leadership in the public sector.

• Seeking a leadership role in civic organizations.

• Looking to make a positive change.

Applicants from west central Minnesota will be given priority, and applicants from outside the region will be accepted if space is available.

Visit WCI website to learn more about the program and submit a nomination or application www.wcif.org/rural-democracy/

Nominations and applications received by December 21 will be given priority. Those submitted after December 21 will be considered if spaces are still available.

The Rural Advocacy and Public Leadership Program is part of the Rural Democracy Program, which aims to strengthen rural democracy through leadership training, engaging historically excluded groups in civic processes, and supporting local leaders. The Rural Democracy Program is made possible by funding from the McKnight Foundation.