ABOUT WYOMING L.E.A.D.

2009-2010 Strategic Plan for the

Wyoming Agricultural Leadership Council

“WALC”

Our Mission:

“The Wyoming Agricultural Leadership Council will promote the Leadership Education and Development Program (L.E.A.D.) to enhance Wyoming agriculture and communities.”

Goal 1: To increase alumni membership

Goal 2: To diversify funding for the leadership program with enough funding to perpetuate a class

Goal 3: To strengthen WALC Board membership

EVALUATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN:

Evaluation of strategic plan and action items will become a standard agenda item at all board meetings.

NEED

Agriculture was the leading state industry until the last thirty-five years when energy development and tourism exploded, moving agriculture into the third position in the state's economy.  Similar to national statistics, Wyoming's population continues to increase while the percentage of people living and working in agriculture decreases.  Historically, agricultural producers and those in agribusiness positions in Wyoming have not been well prepared to interact effectively with other advocacy groups on issues such as economics, environment, public lands, international trade, marketing, and natural resources.   As global competition increases, technology races forward, and markets continue to change at accelerated rates, the agriculture industry needs leaders who understand complex issues and have had the opportunity to broaden their vision. 

        Because of the impact and economics of this trend on small family agricultural operations, the Wyoming L.E.A.D. Program is designed to broaden the horizons and expand the knowledge base of Wyoming agriculturists.  Up to eighteen individuals are chosen for each class based upon their leadership potential.  The program develops their skills by increasing their decision-making abilities and knowledge in local, state, national and international issues in order that they may sustain or offer growth in agriculture.

A SOLUTION

In the past, leadership was primarily based on formal positions, power and influence or charisma.  It was thought that leaders were born.  Today, however, it is recognized that leadership is a shared responsibility and people can develop leadership skills.

Seven recent studies were combined relating to successful rural communities looking at issues such as rural community survival, sustainability, entrepreneurship, healthy communities and effective communities.  The one common factor across all the studies was LEADERSHIP.  Other factors found in the studies enhance leadership:  participation, vision, being proactive, networking, etc.  Leaders today need to be knowledgeable, skilled and have a commitment to their community and Wyoming.

The Wyoming L.E.A.D. program was initiated in 1984 with a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to establish a rural leadership program.  The program was initially administered through the University of Wyoming.  In 1993 the Wyoming Agricultural Leadership Council (WALC) formed a non-profit organization and began administering the program.  In 1999 the Wyoming Business Council formed a partnership with WALC to revive the program and provide financial support and staff.  Nationally there are 37 similar agricultural leadership programs and similar programs in Canada and the United Kingdom. Over an 18-month period, participants learn about communication, leadership skills, ag policy, international trade, rural economics, state and national government, business and estate planning, natural resource management, marketing and media relations to name a few.

The L.E.A.D. program’s mission is to develop leaders who will speak forcefully and articulately for agriculture and Wyoming communities. This 18-month statewide program has completed ten classes with 174 graduates.

The Results

WALC has trained 174 representatives that are using their new skills, information, and courage to provide direction on important community and agricultural issues. State boards, commissions, and organizations where alumni are serving, or have served, since their graduation from the L.E.A.D. program include, but are not limited to:

1. 1.83% are involved in local and state agriculture and/or community organizations
   

2. 2.84 are officers and board directors including national commissions and agricultural organizations executive officers.
   

3. 3.89 serve, or have served in elected or appointed public positions
   

4. 4.3 are or have been employed by agriculture or agribusiness as executive directors, administrators and heads of offices.
   

(based on survey mailed in 2006, 129 responded for a response rate of 84%)

THE ART OF LEADERSHIP

Build Effective Networks

Members, and participants alike, come from diverse backgrounds and have different interests. Sharing expertise, problem solving, and teamwork are part of our design. Networks allow access to the skills and resources of other leaders that can help you realize individual leadership potential. All have a common commitment to the future of Wyoming and it’s greatest asset - its people.