| The second year of
Rural Leadership North Dakota began with a three day session on
November 18, 19 and 20. The 25 member Class of 2003-2005 met in
Bismarck for training, legislative visits, and networking. It
was a special delight to reconnect with classmates we had not
seen for many months. Everyone shared the sentiments of Rene
Johnson, "The RLND Program has forever enriched my life."
The group met at the North Dakota
Association of Counties building in Bismarck and was treated to
an informative speech on Teddy Roosevelt by Mark Johnson,
Executive Director of the North Dakota Association of Counties. He also
gave us some insights into the mission of the association. We
were able to enjoy the beautiful building with the mural size
photos from all areas of the states. The photos were taken by
Steve Silverman, and were also published in a book by Robin and
Steve Silverman, America's Land of Tranquility: Visions of the
Secret Beauty of North Dakota. Robin was our presenter at the
Williston seminar and it was nice to connect with her work
again.
Our main study topic for this
seminar was the DISC Personality assessment. RLND Council and
Design Team members joined us for this session. All of us had
prepared by taking an on-line assessment prior to the class. The
presenter was Melvin Nelson, President and CEO of Executive
Management. An introductory activity got people mingling and
trying to find five personality cards that were a good picture of
their business self. Melvin then gave us information on how
various types work together, how to enhance your strengths and
your ability to work with all the personality types you find in
community.
Melvin then tied the DISC
personality styles to the Leadership Practices Inventory from
our first session a year ago. The five practices of leadership
include modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging
the process, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart.
Each practice is easier or harder depending on your personality.
"What was most useful to me was the understanding gained about
behavior differences. It is good to put yourself in someone
else's shoes if you want to get along better," said Tracy Nerem.
The group had dinner at
Minerva�s, with RLND Council members. The mayor of Bismarck,
John Warford, welcomed us to the city and gave us an overview of
the growth and change Bismarck is experiencing. A round table discussion after
the meal, led by seminar management team members, covered many
of the workings of the design team and the RLND Council.
On Friday, the day started with
an informative tour of the North Dakota Capital building. We then met at the North Dakota
Supreme Court chamber for a lively discussion of the court and
the work they do given by Justices Maring and Neumann.
The director of the Legislative
Council, John Olsrud, gave us an inside look at how legislation
proceeds through the North Dakota legislature. His informative talk helped
us see the many steps involved in creating legislation and where
we as citizens can be part of the process.
We then met with a member of
Governor Hoeven�s staff, Lance Gabbe. Lance discussed the goals
and accomplishments of the Hoeven administration. Staffer James
Burgum gave a presentation on the Operation Intern initiative.
We were unable to meet with Governor Hoeven.
Our next scheduled stop was the
Burleigh County Extension office for a video conference
presentation by Dr. Richard Rathge from the North Dakota State Data
Center. The demographic changes in North Dakota and the
implications of those changes were discussed. "What surprised me
at this seminar is what Richard Rathge said, that we are not as
dependent on agriculture as I thought we were," said John
Zetocha.
After a box lunch we proceeded to
the Department of Commerce building, and had presentations on five
areas of work handled by that department. The Commissioner of
Commerce, Lee Peterson, gave us an overview, and Sara Otte
Coleman related the data collection and activities of the
tourism department. Linda Butts talked to us about economic development and
finance and Kim Christianson spoke about energy
programs and services, especially wind energy. Rich Gray, the
Renaissance Zone Program manager, talked about the growth in
Renaissance Zones and their impact across the state.
The group then proceeded to the
Department of Energy Management/ Homeland Security. We toured
the facility with Doug Friez, the state director of Homeland
Security, and viewed the 911 state radio response team. "I
didn't realize we had such an updated and hi-tech emergency
management service. It was very impressive," said Vicki Monsen.
Our evening ended with a dinner
at Captain Meriwether's, and a guest speaker Connie Sprynczynatyk,
Executive Director of the North Dakota League of Cities. Connie
entertained us and made us talk about our home towns, and what
makes us proud of where we live.
Saturday morning was a session
on grant writing presented by Kevin Dvorak, Executive Director of
the North Dakota Community Foundation. It was very informative
about the ways in which grants are processed, why they are
rejected, and the importance of attention to detail.
The planning for Washington, DC,
occupied much of the morning, and a few housekeeping issues were
discussed. We also finalized the wording of our mission
statement, and created the wording that reflects what we wish to
do and to be as the first class on Rural Leadership North
Dakota.
RLND 2005...is a diverse group
of pioneers for progress who have a passion, hope, and a
commitment to North Dakota's future. We believe in empowering
and helping people by developing excellence in leadership and
partnerships in our communities. ~~~Mission statement of RLND
2003-2005.
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