Leadership Links

"Strengthening Rural Pennsylvania"
See this site for a policy brief on current issues and new policy directions for rural Pennsylvania. This brief was prepared by researchers and extension educators from Penn State’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology.

Penn State Cooperative Extension
Available statewide, "Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow" is a comprehensive 13 session skill-based local leadership training program (individual sessions can also be taught as a "standalone" program for interested groups.) Topics covered include personal leadership skills like values and ethics; interpersonal skills like communication, facilitation, and conflict management; group leadership skills like effective meeting management and group decision-making; and public policy leadership skills for dealing with local government and public issues, and community change.
 

Economic and Community Development Resources for Citizens and Local Officials
 

Graduate Program in Community & Economic Development
This site gives an overview of the Community and Economic Development program, offered through the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at The Pennsylvania State University.

The Governor's Advisory Council on Rural Affairs 
This site contains an overview of the Council as well as links to other information on rural issues and organizations, such as rural telecommunications, rural health, and economic development.

Center for Rural PA
This site is a resource for information about Pennsylvania rural policy. The site also contains a wealth of statistics on rural Pennsylvania. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is a legislative agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

IAPAL
International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leaders. Most IAPAL member programs have a two-year curriculum designed for 30 key leaders selected through application processes. IAPAL encourages emerging and established agricultural and rural leaders to consider applying for the next program offering. We also encourage corporations, small businesses, foundations, organizations & individuals dedicated to our cause to invest in the future by contributing financial support to the program(s) of your choice.

ILAC
International Leadership Alumni Conference
Washington State, August 19-21, 2009
ILAC History

PA Department of Agriculture
State Department of Agriculture

DCED
The goal of the Department of Community and Economic Development is to foster opportunities for businesses and communities to succeed and thrive in a global economy, thereby enabling Pennsylvanians to achieve a superior quality of life. Led by Secretary Dennis Yablonsky, the Department ensures growth and development in our businesses and communities across Pennsylvania.

USDA Rural Development
Welcome to the Pennsylvania USDA Rural Development website. It is the mission of the USDA Rural Development to provide financial and technical assistance to rural individuals, families, communities, and businesses. This site will help you better understand our role in rural economic and community development. You will find contact information and office locations that will provide detailed program specifics and necessary applications.

PA Farm Bureau
Visit the site of Pennsylvania's leading farm organization to see the latest information on legislative priorities and member services. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is a member financed and driven organization representing the interests of farm and rural families across the state.

Pennsylvania Leadership Program Directory
Comprehensive directory featuring Pennsylvania based leadership programs from the state wide Rural Leadership Program (RULE) to regional, organizational, county, and cooperative extension leadership initiatives.