The Crawford: 20/20 Vision has officially launched the new leadership development program for Crawford County called Crawford Unlimited Leadership (CU Lead). This annual, 9-month long leadership training program has received major underwriting from the Ohio Mutual Insurance Group. In May, Jim Kennedy, President of Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, announced the creation of a $200,000 fund to help start and sustain the program.
Participant applications for this inaugural year are now being accepted and are due no later than August 20, 2011. The first class is scheduled to begin September 16 and 17, 2011.
The CU Lead program will be facilitated by Jim Cox, who also serves as the Project Manager for the Crawford: 20/20 Vision. “During the program, participants will be challenged to explore outside their comfort zones in order to grow as individuals and as leaders,” Cox said. “By the end of the program, participants will have a unique understanding of leadership as it applies to all aspects of life.”
The course curriculum for the the CU Lead program has been developed with the intention of clear benefit toward the individual, the organization they represent and the community. Coursework will stem from individual assessment tools so participants can make clear connections to their personal experience. The method of coursework delivery for the CU Lead program will include: instruction, experiential learning exercises and reflection.
The CU Lead program gets its direction from a dynamic group of individuals from Crawford County. Pat Hord, CEO of Hord Livestock and Chair of the Leadership Development Committee, believes this is a great opportunity for individuals in the county. “We can sit around and wring our hands and complain that we don't like certain things,” Hord said. “This is an opportunity for individuals to step to the forefront and take charge of the future for themselves and Crawford County.”
The Crawford: 20/20 Vision initiative used a series of public meetings last year, where residents spoke out about their concerns for the future of their county. They repeatedly said past leadership practices have not resulted in the outcomes the community needs. Pastor JC Church, Chair of the Crawford: 20/20 Vision Oversight Committee, feels the timing is perfect for the CU Lead program in Crawford County. “There is now a community vision that goes well beyond past expectations. Therefore, there is substantial work that needs to be done,”Church said.“The Crawford: 20/20 Vision has established its plan to guide the county forward, which makes the timing perfect for this program.”
To learn more about Crawford Unlimited Leadership, and to download the CU Lead application, visit www.crawfordleadership.com.
