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When it comes to recruiting and welcoming new leaders from many cultures, risks and honest conversations are required. It pays off, but it isn t easy. It s human nature to feel uncomfortable at first when reaching out to people who seem different. Extension wants Minnesota s newcomers to lead in places where they know they are supported and feel welcomed by their colleagues, says Jocelyn Hernandez-Swanson, Extension educator in leadership and civic engagement.
The need is real
Each community is moved to act for different reasons. In Greater Minnesota, one of every 34 adults must take on leadership roles for elected offices, non-profit boards and committees, according to Ben Winchester, Extension s rural sociologist.
In Northfield committees that embrace diverse leadership
“This program provided me with a deeper understanding of myself, which has increased my confidence. I feel a deeper inspiration to step up and get more involved because I feel I can make a difference. And I have initiated steps in my community to get more involved already.” Participant, Northfield Emerging Leaders Program
Northfield, Minnesota’s 2018-20 strategic plan is all about becoming a welcoming community. “One way to help our diverse newcomers feel comfortable here is to have local leaders who look like them,” says Beth Kallestad, Northfield’s city coordinator. She notes their city boards and commissions are lacking in diversity. “So one of our strategic plan initiatives is to change that,” she says. In 2020, Kallestad collaborated with leadership and civic engagement educators Mary Ann Hennen and Jocelyn Hernandez-Swanson to launch Growing Local: 2020 Northfield Emerging Leaders Program.