Program Overview

Mission

The goal of the innovative Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program is to develop leaders to strengthen communities.   In order to meet community challenges and recognize opportunities, Wisconsin needs leaders who show initiative, listen intently, understand the breadth of perspective on issues, assume responsibility and exercise sound decision making.  For over twenty-four years WRLP has provided communities, businesses, and organizations with leaders; leaders who have a broader vision, an understanding of themselves and the world, as well as a clearer appreciation of the interdependence of issues that impact it.

History

The birth and history of WRLP is a classic case of vision and collaboration. It is also a great example of building on the experience of others and improving on it. In 1980 Stephen Smith (UW-Madison), Roger Swanson (UW-River Falls), and Laura Beane (agricultural leader from Jefferson county) attended an informational meeting about W.K.Kellogg-sponsored leadership programs in Michigan, Washington, Montana, California, and Pennsylvania. 

On January 9, 1981, the Agricultural and Natural Resource Consortium of the University of Wisconsin System approved preparation of a draft proposal to initiate a rural leadership development program in Wisconsin. UW-Extension was asked to administer and coordinate the project. During 1982 and 1983, key leaders met to determine support for the proposal. In May 1983, with the approval of a provisional board of directors, the director of Cooperative Extension submitted a proposal to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which subsequently funded the project. In September 1983, the Board of Directors was officially organized. They approved the university's curriculum proposal and a fund raising strategy, which officially launched the program. Group I was selected in April 1984 and completed the series of eleven seminars in March 1986.

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