Creating New LeadersCreating New Leaders

Lessons Learned from Anaconda Visioning Project 1994 - 2006 Horizons Project 2006 - 2008

Barbara Andreozzi

MSU-Deer Lodge County Extension Educator

Anaconda Horizons Project Coordinator

“I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers”

Ralph Nader

Plan all projects with the end in mind Evaluate who needs to be involved Involve current leaders, emerging leaders

and potential leaders with a passion for the project

“The Leader has to be practical and a realist, yet must talk the language of the visionary and idealist.” Eric

Hoffer

A complimentary Leadership Team can become change agents

Success breeds success… Start with “Leadership”

Leadership = Volunteer Success

1995 – 2006 Visioning Projects completed: Master Plan in place, first ever in 100+ yrs CBD in place along with TIFDs Commons park totally revamped, permanent

tree in place, raised over $250,000 for project Smelter Interpretive site open, MOU’s with

FWP, BP ARCO, County, over $150,000 raised

Visioning 1995-2006 projects continued…

Beautification projects = multiple: 1000+ new Street Trees in place, 225 last yr Storefront facade work completed by six

businesses, more plans to continue Flower baskets throughout town in summer New entrance arch sign & others in place Skateboard Park enjoyed by youth Teams addressed community capitals

A One Company TownAnaconda Company

First electric lights west of Mississippi 1913

First clay tennis courts in Montana

First outdoor pool in area

September 1980 closure:

1,500 jobs lost over night

65% of tax base gone

Visioning 1995-2006

Interpretive Stack Site:

From need, to concept,

To action plan, to raising over $150,000 locally, MOU’s and MOA’s with FWP & ARCO, to implementation…

An all volunteer effort that also developed new leadership along with expanded Tourism.

Common Park

In the center of town

From need to renovate a dilapidated park, to designs, fundraising, contracting, full implementation…

A volunteer effort that developed new skills to enable employment for several volunteers, while also developing new leaders.

Old Jail Woes… lead to innovative approach & Law Enforcement Center

The early 1900’s jail was causing law suit threats and high energy bills.

Education of the public was needed after failed attempt at bond Volunteers presented to civic groups 2nd vote passed: come visit our law center!

Street Tree Project involved volunteers of all ages, every sector

of the Community 2002 – 2007

Developing a Steering Committee

Current Leaders with an interest or passion for the project

Current Leaders with power to change current situation

Emerging Leaders with an interest or passion for the project

Potential new leaders via PR, direct invitation, involved in the issue

Balancing Leadership Potential for a Successful Steering Committee

Current Leaders skills Team players Love planning to

implementing Visionary Change agents Power/influence to

make a difference

Emerging Leaders skills Risk Takers Willing to try something

again or new Team players Represent project Committed to all

phases of the project

“An empowered organization is one in which individuals have the

knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally succeed

in a way that leads to collective organizational success.”

Stephen R. Covey, Principle-Centered Leadership

Team reviewed data…

Steering Committee develops asset maps, knowledge & learning….

Plan for “Inclusion”; Team Building

First meeting sets the stage: Communicate Vision/Goals of the project Be truthful about project, expectations,

timeline, time commitment, etc. Utilize individual assets, expertise Build knowledge of Community Assets not

just needs/issues/data Consider focus groups & surveys

Build Your Ideal Team

Look for Opportunities to build Leadership Capacity

Allow for Champions to emerge Utilize the Teachable moments Expect Leadership from all Empower your team to Lead Build capacity at every phase

Involve Community MembersListen, Study, Plan, Act…Empower

A Free Nine Week Leadership Series offered three times: Mondays starting – March 26, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, ALDC Wednesdays starting – March 28, 10:00 a.m.-2:30 pm, ALDC Saturdays starting – March 31, Noon – 3:30 p.m., St. Mark’s ending May 21, May 23, May 26 The nine modules cover: 1. FINDING LEADERS WITHIN 2. IDENTIFYING COMMUNITY ASSETS 3. MANAGING GROUPS FOR RESULTS 4. MAKING MEETINGS WORK BETTER 5. MANAGING CONFLICT 6. BUILDING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS 7. MOVING FROM TALK TO ACTION 8. VALUING EVALUATION 9. COMMUNICATING FOR CHANGE Undergraduate credit (Dawson Community College – 3 credits for $140) and OPI CU’s available if attending all nine Register by calling the MSU-Deer Lodge County Extension Office – 563-4035.

Horizons Projects 2007

Anaconda Community Foundation established, raised over $70,000

Medical Transportation Group established, taking patients to treatment in Missoula, Butte, Billings

Home Fix-it Group established, helping with home repairs, co-hosting fix-it workshops

Clean-up Committee expanding town cleanup and addressing Superfund

Horizons projects continued…

Expand Educational Opportunities Committee addressing multi layers; working with high school to revamp/expand “shop” classes to state-of-art technical and trades; researching community college model, offering current course needed by small business….etc, etc,

Volunteer Center set to launch in 2008 New Leaders on Co. & local boards/councils

Leadership; a plan for success

Build capacity to succeed Review current Leadership capacity, assets Develop Leadership opportunities via

education and learn-as-you-achieve… Blend Leaders, styles, abilities Involve current, new & emerging Leaders Be ready for Teachable moments