Building Community Leadership Capacity

Published: 2022
By Mary Anne Keyes

Leadership 49, a program of Park County MSU Extension, is a nine-month leadership development program for Park County citizens that is comprised of immersive, day-long sessions hosted in different communities and a group project. Participants develop leadership skills, increase their knowledge about challenges and opportunities within Park County, and network with community groups, leaders, businesses, elected officials, and others. A thriving community needs a deep base of community leaders, and this program aims to build a foundation and strengthen it by creating connections through a shared learning experience. The ninth year of the program kicked off with an overnight retreat in mid-September. This class of 13 citizens will continue their leadership journey through May 2023 when they graduate and join the ranks of more than 135 alumni.