NDSU Extension providing tools for stronger community leadership and conversations

NDSU Extension is committed to providing science-based education that improves the economic, health and community conditions for North Dakotans. One of those topics is leadership and civic engagement, a part of Extension that encourages community members to become active leaders by promoting community collaboration through facilitation.

For Jodi Bruns, a leadership and civic engagement specialist, helping people navigate important conversations within their communities is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

“Our goal is to empower people to serve their communities, and we do that by providing resources and training to help them think about the future of their community,” Bruns said.

Bruns and her team host a variety of programs and workshops designed to help community members develop their leadership and collaboration skills. One of those programs is Lead Local, a training for aspiring, elected and appointed officials serving on boards, councils and committees. The program helps participants better understand their roles and become more engaged local leaders.

Additionally, emotional intelligence trainings and other facilitation services are provided to help community members and leaders navigate important conversations, especially when there are differing perspectives.

One such discussion that has become more prominent in recent months is data center developments across the state. With any major proposed development, Bruns said there can be uncertainty about what it could mean for the future of the communities involved.

“Change is scary. When outside people come in and say they want to do these development projects, I think knowledge is foundational. Do the research and find out the fact-based information,” she said. “That's NDSU's mission to our state. Let's be a resource of education and information for our citizens in the state of North Dakota.”

Extension’s role isn’t to sway people one way or the other on how to feel about proposed development projects, but rather to help provide that factual information in a facilitated, conversation-based way where everyone can share their thoughts and concerns.

Bruns and her colleague Leslie Stevens, an Extension program coordinator, will present about their work in facilitation at Rural on the Rise, a conference put on by the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives that advocates for rural communities across the state. Bruns and Stevens will share simple techniques for gathering input, building consensus and making decisions. Overall, Bruns hopes attendees leave feeling ready to lead community conversations in an effective way.

One of the biggest lessons Bruns has learned throughout her time with NDSU Extension is that oftentimes people don’t get involved in their communities because they don’t feel like they’re qualified enough to be a leader. Bruns’ advice is to break away from that mindset and get involved.

“Attend meetings, listen and participate,” she said. “Your community is important to you, and so it’s your civic responsibility to get involved. Your voice is just as important as anyone else’s.”

To learn more about the events and services offered, check out the leadership and civic engagement webpage.