Sisters leadership program enters second year

The "Sisters Visioning" process, in the fall 2006, produced a number of outcomes.

One was the "Sisters Visioning Statement," a road map by which community-wide decisions could be made. Another outcome was the formation of "Leadership Sisters," a small committee which clearly saw the need to "train up" new community leaders.

During the October 2006 Future Fair, a part of the visioning process, participants rated the community on 10 attributes that make for "successful rural communities." Sisters scored high on "evidence of strong community pride and inclusive culture," "strong belief and support for education," and "strong presence of institutions integral to community life."

There were several traits, however, that participants rated as weak or needing improvement: "Investment in the future - built to last," "participatory approach to community decision-making," "creatively build new economic opportunities," "support for local businesses," and the "deliberate transition of power to new leaders" all received low marks.

This is where the Leadership Sisters committee stepped up to the plate. Members included Brad Smith, Sarah Rahm, Wendy Holzman, Cheryl Mills, Cindy Glick, and Sharlene Weed. Seeking a successful model, they had to look no farther than Redmond.

The Redmond Chamber of Commerce shared their successful leadership training program with Sisters. With slight modifications Sisters was off and running toward a first-year start during the fall of 2007.

"Leadership program structures vary from community to community, but generally contain basic elements that educate future leaders about roles and responsibilities, skills and characteristics of leaders and introduce them to the local organizations they might consider serving," said Sharlene Weed, committee member.

Sisters' leadership program was modified from nine months to five, with students meeting one full day per month for five months.

First year students included Marie Clasen, Brad Grimm, Lorie Harris Hancock, Gary Oldham, Sarah Rahm, Susan Stafford, Robin Tawney, Angela Ward, Chris Wilder, and Courtney Johnson.

It's important to note that the Leadership Sisters program is separate from the Ford Family Foundation Leadership program which also began in 2007.

"Our group (Leadership Sisters) wrote the grant application to the Ford Family Foundation to get accepted into their excellent leadership training program," said Cindy Glick, Leadership Sisters committee member. "However, Leadership Sisters focuses on increasing the participant's knowledge base of the community, their sense of 'place,' while the Ford program develops and hones leadership skills. The Ford students will also use their skills in a constructive way by building an outdoor classroom at the middle school."

The committee anticipates the two programs will mesh together well within a few years.

The Leadership Sisters curriculum entailed a day packed with field trips, presenters, and panel discussions that shared a common theme. The five-day "themes" included History & Culture, Local Government, the Sisters Economy, Community and Schools, and Arts & Recreation.

The graduating students from the 2007/2008 class were overwhelmingly positive about the experience.

"I have learned so much about Sisters, its operations and connections," said Lorie Harris Hancock. "I am sure that, in the future, when I serve in different volunteer capacities in the community, the perspectives I gained from participating in the Leadership Sisters program will assist me in bringing a more balanced and informed point of view to the table."

The Leadership Sisters committee is already planning for the start of the 08/09 session.

"Our feedback from last year's program made it clear that we need to expand the course to a seven-day model. We packed so much into five days that we didn't have enough time for the discussions and interactions that students really wanted. With the addition of two days we won't add much to the course content, we'll add time for students to talk with presenters and among themselves," said Sharlene Weed.

Another element, added to this year's program, is the addition of a paid part-time coordinator. Katie Williams has been hired to work with the committee, coordinating all aspects of the program. This includes student recruitment, sponsor partnerships, and all the details involved with meeting schedules and locations.

"I'm very excited to be part of this program, having been involved in a similar course in Lake Oswego," said Williams.

The 2007/2008 Leadership Sisters program was supported by a number of local Sisters businesses: Ray's Food Place; The Nugget Newspaper; AmeriSpec; RE/MAX Town & Country Realty; and the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. They gave not only financially but many also provided meeting spaces and took part in the presentations.

The committee is hoping to include these sponsors again this year. The 2008/2009 program is set to start officially on September 23 with a participant reception on Monday, September 22.

Applications are available on the City of Sisters Web site (under "Public Notices") http://www.ci.sisters.or.us/notices.shtm.

Community members and high school students are encouraged to apply to this program. Katie Williams is presently seeking scholarships from local businesses for students to attend tuition-free.

For more information contact Katie Williams, Leadership Sisters Coordinator, at 799-7255, or e-mail [email protected]