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The Evolve Leadership Training Program was developed by the
University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension. The EVOLVE
(Extension Volunteer Organization of Leadership, Vitality and
Enterprise) program has a broad structure for what must be
included in the program instead of a pre-defined curriculum.
Consequently it is adaptable to an community because the
curriculum is created by community volunteers based on their
unique needs and resources.
A local steering committee representative of community residents
guides each EVOLVE leadership institute. This committee designs
the curriculum and selects the program participants. While the
specific objectives set by the steering committee vary from
institute to institute, components central to each leadership
institute includes:
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Increasing human capacity by developing individual leadership
skills,
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Increasing social capacity using community-based experiences
that strengthen the understanding of resources and issues, and
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Incorporating a group project to practice what is learned.
Each EVOLVE Institute selects a group project. As they complete
the project together, they learn leadership skills that they can
carry forward into their work and community experience. Group
projects have two requirements. First, every student must be
involved, and the project must be of benefit to all the
communities involved in the institute. The steering committee
may choose to provide general parameters for the project (such
as, that in involve children), or the institute may select it
own forces. Projects in other communities have included cleanup
of an environmentally neglected site, projects that serve youth
in community, and road clean-up between two previously alienated
communities by members of both communities working together.
Classes also provide educational material and presentations on
topics selected by the class as necessary to their success as
leaders. These topics may include the following: public
speaking, effective group decision making, handling personnel
issues in a business or non-profit organization, dealing with
controversial issues, ,and leadership styles.
For more information about Evolve Leadership Training, contact
Susan Traver at 263-8511, or
straver@uidaho.edu
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