Rural Communities Leading

In 2007, the ALIA Institute initiated a series of conversations that explored the nature of leadership capacity-building in a rural community context. What initiatives have been shining examples in the past? What is the best role of government and educational institutions? What global movements and trends should we be paying attention to? What would happen if the strengths and resources of the partners entered into a dynamic relationship with those of rural Nova Scotia?

After a year of regular meetings, two pilot projects were launched in early 2009, with initial funding from Economic and Rural Development, and Health Promotion and Protection. In November 2009 the Rural Communities Leading initiative hosted a colloquium to widen the circle and share What We're Learning.

Grassroots Think-Tank in Digby-Annapolis

In March 2009 a group convened of 15 actively engaged community members from a diversity of affiliations, including First Nations, African-Canadian, fishing, shellfish harvesting, the arts, business entrepreneurship, youth activism, and Community College staff. This group meets monthly around the question: What is needed to support and nurture the development of community-based leadership in rural Nova Scotia? In addition, the group is participating in leadership development opportunities that they have identified, in order to strengthen the capacity of individual members as well as the group as a whole. This group will also be taking the conversation into the larger community, using the collaborative leadership and community engagement skills they have acquired. The results of these conversations will be documented and shared with the partner group and their respective organizations. The Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre is managing this pilot.

An Innovative Leadership Curriculum in Northern Nova Scotia

In September 2009, 30 emerging leaders in Pictou, Antigonish, Guysbourgh, Inverness and Richmond counties will embark on a six-month intensive learning path that includes experiential seminars, self-directed activities, on-line learning modules, and group projects. Following a strengths-based approach, they will create Personal Leadership Portfolios and a regional Asset Map. They will gain the self-understanding, strategic relationships, and regional and global perspectives they need to bring greater confidence and new thinking to present and future leadership roles in rural Nova Scotia. At the end of the six months they will host a Leadership Forum to share their learning with the partner group and with their home communities. Pilot participants include youth, entrepreneurs, not-for-profit managers, faith-based leaders, First Nations and elected officials. This pilot is managed by St. FX Extension Department in partnership with the Coady International Institute. The pilot was designed in consultation with representatives from the Regional Development Authorities, NS Community College, the business community, and the health sector.

Learning Partners

• ALIA Institute
• Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development
• Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection
• St. Francis Xavier University Extension Department & the Coady International Institute
• Nova Scotia Community College
• The Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre