Released Nov. 6, 2007
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.--Fifteen years ago, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Pickens County staff partnered with local organizations to start a community leadership program. Under the guidance of County Extension Agent Patti Presley-Fuller, the first class was planned and started in less than three months. Fuller directed the program from1993 until 2004, and today, almost 250 citizens are alumni of the successful program.
In 2004, Fuller moved from Pickens County to neighboring Greene County to become the county Extension coordinator. At that point, Pickens County Extension Coordinator Sam Wiggins took over Leadership Pickens for the 2005-2006 year. Several months into the program, Wiggins’ demanding schedule could not accommodate the time required to effectively run the program. He asked Fuller to work with him to ensure the valuable program could continue. A memorandum of agreement was signed between the two counties and Fuller returned as director of the Leadership Pickens program in 2006.
Extension’s goal for Leadership Pickens is to develop and enhance community leadership skills by providing a diverse group of existing and emerging leaders with the opportunity to increase their community knowledge, civic network and service to the community. To date, 10 graduates of the program have been elected to public office and many others serve in important leadership positions within the county. Leadership Pickens class members meet monthly and focus on specific issues facing the county, such as diversity, industrial development, education, human services, county government, state government and tourism.
In addition to directing Leadership Pickens, Fuller began directing Leadership Greene County program two months after arriving in Greene County. She recognized there was a need for business and community leaders to engage in dialogue and work toward solving problems.
The Greene County Extension staff teamed with staff members from Alabama Power Company and the Greene County Industrial Board to discuss the possibility of forming a multicultural civic club in the county. Rotary was the club of choice because their goal for every club is for its members to become connected in their community, work with others in addressing community needs, develop leadership skills, interact with other professionals and include family members in promoting service efforts.
These three agencies worked with Rotary’s district governor to establish a club. In July 2005, prospective members were identified, a meeting facility and caterer were secured and people were invited to join.
Today, the Greene County Rotary Club is well on its way with 20 active members that meet weekly for lunch and an educational program. Membership includes community leaders such as the probate judge, circuit clerk, 911 director, bank president, minister, hospice chaplain, chamber of commerce director, superintendent of education, city council member and a local physician.
The club’s first project, “Operation Merry Christmas,” in conjunction with the Greene County Department of Human Resources was a huge success.
Members of the Greene County Rotary Club have adopted Rotary International’s mission of promoting fellowship, citizenship, leadership and encouraging high ethical standards. Through combined efforts, the Rotary Club continues to enlarge their circle of friends in the community and move towards building a better Greene County.
Because of Extension’s commitment to community development, both Greene’s and Pickens’ county leadership programs continue to provide opportunities for positive social and economic change.
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http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/npa/newsline/archives/003411.php
Contact: Donna Reynolds, (334) 844-5677
