The Western Extension Leadership Development Program is a two-year program that consists of four dynamic learning experiences:
1. Leadership inventory.
2. A leadership conference covering leadership styles, defining direction, working together through teams, community action process, ethical decision making, and more.
3. Individual leadership project, with support and resources such as case study documentation, instruction modules, and mentoring groups.
4. Capstone conference where you will share your leadership project with other interns.
The cost of the two-year program is $1400 per participant. This fee includes registration for 2 WELD seminars, leadership inventory activities, communication, training sessions, some meals, and all follow-up materials and resources. This does not include travel, lodging, or some meals. This fee is not refundable once an individual begins the WELD program.
Three UCCE interns graduated from WELD in 2006 and four individuals have been selected for the 2007-2008 program.
2005 California Interns and Projects:
Ramiro E. Lobo, Farm Advisor, Small Farms & Agricultural Economics, San Diego County observed that local agriculture is very dynamic and that growers must adapt and retool in response to the changing business environment they face to remain profitable. His project will work to improve the ability and effectiveness of the San Diego County Cooperative Extension Office in extension programming and delivery by assessing the information needs, concerns and perceptions of agricultural operators in San Diego County as well as the Cooperative Extension’s role and ability to meet clientele needs identified.
Shannon C. Mueller, Agronomy & Vegetable Crops Farm Advisor, Fresno County and Dorothy E. Smith, Nutrition, Family & Consumer Science Advisor/County Director, Calaveras County observed that when County Directors (CDs) retire or resign, critical connections with county government are at risk, but the administrative role is often undervalued as compared to other county programs. Advisors are pulled from the ranks to fill the critical administrative needs, and their county programs suffer, or an advisor moves from one county to another, creating a ripple effect of critical needs. They will present alternatives for addressing administrative responsibilities for Cooperative Extension to decision makers.
For more information http://ag.arizona.edu/extension/weld/
(Revised May 27, 2008)