Background

The need for leadership and capacity building in rural Ontario is growing. Changing demographics is putting stress on existing leaders - a shortage of emerging leaders is on the horizon.

Recognizing this trend, three key organizations – Rural Ontario Institute, 4-H Ontario and Foundation for Rural Living – partnered together in 2008 to create a five-year action plan to address this reality, in the form of Steps to Leadership. Funding for this project is provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

We see leadership as a key component of capacity building in rural Ontario. The greatest potential for success is reaching the next generation of leaders, bringing them in contact with existing leaders, and fostering them through a continuum of leadership learning opportunities.

We believe that local, affordable and quality leadership training opportunities enable people to develop their potential and become instrumental in the change they would like to see happen in their communities and organizations.

In implementing Steps to Leadership we will make leadership development opportunities more accessible, local and affordable.  The program content and learning opportunities will be relevant and practical to meet the interests and needs of diverse individuals. 

Steps to Leadership involves new programming and resource tools aimed at significantly boosting leadership skills and capacity for agricultural and rural organizations and communities across Ontario.

How can your community get involved?

To find out how your community can get involved in Steps to Leadership please contact Alicia at the Rural Ontario Institute - aevans@ruralontarioinstitute.ca or (519) 826-4204.