Developing Rural Leaders​

Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) is committed to empowering rural communities by cultivating a network of skilled, connected leaders. Our flagship program, the Rural Community Leadership Program (RCLP), is designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change in their communities.

Jump to current and upcoming trainings

Program Overview

RCLP is a cohort-based program tailored for individuals eager to make a positive impact in their rural communities. Participants delve into essential leadership concepts unique to rural settings, focusing on:

  • Leadership in Community: Gain a deeper understanding of personal and others’ leadership styles, identifying strengths and areas for growth.
  • Community-Centered Interests: Explore local priorities and build upon existing community efforts.
  • Appreciating & Working with Differences: Enhance the capacity to collaborate with individuals holding diverse perspectives.
  • Moving to Action: Strengthen abilities to host effective meetings and facilitate community projects.

Program Structure

Each cohort comprises 25–35 diverse participants, including emerging and active leaders. The program includes:

  • Six in-person and highly interactive sessions
  • Community engagement and investment activities
  • Community celebration and Cohort graduation
  • Ongoing coaching and peer mentoring

Expectations: There is no cost to you but we ask that you commit to the program activities to complete the program successfully. Each session is highly interactive and covers multiple leadership objectives.

RDI partners with regional and local philanthropic organizations to offer this program at no cost to participants. The comprehensive training, valued at over $2,500 per participant, includes more than 32 hours of development, meals, coaching, materials, and classes.

“The moment you educate someone… a spark of understanding flashes in their eye. They become invested and responsible. They realize that they have the power to do something to help our community. And if we are lucky, that spark is just the beginning to bigger and greater things.”

~ Rural Community Leadership Program Participant

The spark of leadership catches where we live, learn, work, and play.

Bring the Leadership Program to my community!

Why Participate?

By joining a cohort in your community, participants will:

  • Develop a profound understanding of personal leadership styles and strengths.

  • Connect with a diverse network of local community members committed to collective action.

  • Acquire practical skills to identify community needs, set priorities collaboratively, and implement impactful projects.

  • Be connected with past participants regionally and across the Pacific Northwest

“Every day I feel more empowered about our project as well as future projects just by implementing what we have applied and getting back to our questions of “who is not in the room”?”

~ RDI Program Participant

“In this course I learned so much, I became convinced that a person can grow a concept into a team effort to help their community!”

~ Rural Community Leadership Program Participant

 

The leadership program results in: 
  • 7 years of increased and diversified local engagement
  • 92% increased collaboration, communication, and connection between people & organizations
  • 85% increased investment in local priorities and projects
  • Increased capacity for succession and leadership transfer to new and existing leaders

This leadership program is for:

  • people who want to be involved and make a difference.
  • people who are interested in taking a larger role
  • people who want to strengthen their teams
  • people who want to see more coordination in community efforts
  • people who want to feel more connected to their community.

UPCOMING AND CURRENT TRAININGS

Apodera tu Liderazgo

Regístrate hoy para el entrenamiento Apodera tu liderazgo para las Comunidades Rurales de Sherwood Trust localizado en Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Este curso está diseñado para empoderar a líderes emergentes y establecidos, proporcionando las herramientas y conocimientos necesarios para marcar una diferencia en comunidades rurales.

Registración del Apodera tu liderazgo

Sherwood Trust Community Leadership Program: Milton-Freewater, Oregon

RDI is pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Sherwood Trust to provide on-the-ground leadership. The community leadership program is for anyone over the age of 18 who wants to get stuff done in their community. Participants include people who want to learn more about leadership, from emerging leaders to those who have leadership experience. 

Registration is now open! Register today for the 4th cohort in Milton-Freewater Oregon.

Register today!

Clallam County Leadership Program

The Clallam County Leadership Program serves regions including the homeland territories of the Hoh, Makah, Quileute, Chimacum, Jamestown S’Klallam, and Lower Elwha Klallam peoples, and the cities of Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks.

Registration is now closed. To be updated on future programs please fill out the interest form below.

Join the Interest List

MEET OUR TEAM

Christine Gilmore

Director of Community Leadership Programs cgilmore (at) rdiinc.org

Ximena Lemus-Hernandez

Bilingual Leadership Trainer/Facilitator
xlemus (at) rdiinc.org

 

Hannah Lewis

Impact and Networks Manager
hlewis (at) rdiinc.org