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Listed below are comments from an independent assessment of the
Regional Leaders Program by Mt. Auburn associates in March 2001
as part of a national evaluation of university programs funded by
the U.S. Economic Development Administration:
| "The curriculum
teaches people how to be leaders, how to solve community problems,
and how to access resources. Also, the process of going through
the program with a cohort of leaders from throughout the Delta
also breaks down long-held barriers. A lasting, regional network
is developed, and leaders can draw on and learn from each other
over time." |
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| "Another aspect of the
program is the personal transformation that occurs for some
participants. Many have decided to go into politics as a result
of the program, including at least one mayor and one state representative.
One individual indicated that he 'never would have considered
running for elective office if it were not for the RLP.' He
also said that they 'empowered me and taught me that I could
bring about change that I never thought was possible before.'
Another stated that the year he was involved in the program
was a 'highlight year in my life.' Participants frequently mention
on their evaluation forms that they made lifelong friends through
the program." |
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| "While there are some
specific programmatic and organizational changes that come about
because of the Regional Leaders Program, its greatest impact
has been to positively change the community and economic environment
in the home towns of program participants." |
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| "The success
they have in reaching RLP participants goes beyond what occurs
in typical training sessions." |
Contact information
Peter Kwass
Project Director of Mt. Auburn Associates
Somerville, MA 02144
617-625-7770
The ASU Regional Leaders Program is operated by the Center for Regional
& Community Development (870-910-8180), and is funded in part by
the US Economic Development Administration.
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