People acting together
for their community
Community Leadership Development:
The EXCEL program
Community Development programs
MU Community Development faculty throughout the state
Instant access
Q: What is
EXCEL?
A: EXCEL, an EXperience
in Community Enterprise and Leadership, is a
process for community leadership rather than a prepackaged program.
Q: How is
EXCEL different from other community leadership programs?
A: What
distinguishes EXCEL from other approaches to leadership development is
its high degree of flexibility, local control, inclusiveness, and focus
on the future of community governance.
Q: What kinds
of outcomes can be expected from an EXCEL program?
A: Communities
investing in an EXCEL program can expect to see new and younger people
running for public office, more involvement in community activities and
organizations, improved community appearance, and boards and commissions
functioning more smoothly.
Q: How long
does it take to set up a program?
A: A community
should allow 6 to 12 months for planning and organizing an EXCEL
program. Ongoing support and assistance is provided by a local
University Extension specialist or another technical assistance
provider.
Q: How many
people are involved?
A: Membership is
limited to about 30 participants per class to ensure that an active and
effective learning experience occurs.
Q: How much
does it cost?
A: The program
budget is developed by a steering committee. Funding usually comes from
fees--generally $100-200 per participant--or scholarships from local
firms, government, and organizations.
Q: Why does my
community need an EXCEL program?
A: Follow-up studies
of EXCEL communities, as well as work by organizations such as the
Heartland Center for Leadership Development, have confirmed the
importance and effectiveness of local leadership development in the
total process of creating and sustaining successful communities.
Q: How do we
get started?
A: To locate an
EXCEL program or to find out how to launch one in your area, contact
your local University Extension office, or:
MU Community Development
Extension Program
225 Gentry Hall
University of
Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
573.882.8393 phone
573.882.5127 fax
adamsjr@missouri.edu email
Updated 01/31/08