Leader program revived

A leadership program similar to one formerly available for Marion County residents has been restarted and is accepting enrollment.

“The act of leadership is viewed as an activity — not a position — and anyone can learn to exercise leadership anytime,” extension agent Tristen Cope said.

Marion County Leadership Program will run Sept. 1 through Oct. 13. Its eight sessions will focus on teaching leadership skills and learning about the county’s needs.

Some days will require participation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita.

Other days will be spent touring the county and discussing how to apply things learned at the center.

Ten to 15 county residents will be able to enroll in the program. They will be expected to attend every session.

The program is funded by the Marion County Leadership Endowment, held by Central Kansas Community Foundation.

A planning committee was formed last year to reignite the program. Cope, Larry Geist, Ashley Herpich, David Mueller, Becky Nickel, Anthony Roy, and Tina Spencer have been meeting with leadership center staffers to restructure the leadership project that failed earlier due to lack of local coordination.

Online applications are available on the county website under a News and Announcements tab. A program schedule is included. Registration costs $50. Grant funds will cover meals, transportation, materials, and tuition.

More information is available from Ashley Herpich at (620) 382-2185.