Texas County
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EXCEL
(Experience in Community Enterprise and Leadership) is the beginning of a
journey in leadership development. It is an opportunity for Texas
County citizens to become better informed about issues which impact their
communities and to develop skills to effectively deal with those issues.
EXCEL provides a creative atmosphere to develop understanding, expertise and skills that facilitate improvement in the social and economic well-being of Texas County.
EXCEL focuses on leadership skills development, understanding community issues and networking within communities. This includes weekly issue discussions. Sessions include:
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Creative Thinking Retreat |
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State Government Tour to Jefferson City |
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Local and County Government |
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Education Issues Forum |
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History of Texas County |
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Conducting Effective Meetings |
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Economic Development |
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Health Care |
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Community Tours |
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Agriculture and Natural Resources |
EXCEL will give participants an opportunity to:
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Develop and understanding of Texas County's assets and to explore how they can be improved |
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Improve skills in facilitating group decision making, conducting community discussions and presenting public issues |
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Provide personal growth - what are my strengths and how can I make a difference? |
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Promote team building and cooperation between Texas County communities and the various economic sectors of our county - how can we work together to create a better future? |
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Encourage possibility thinking |
What EXCEL graduates say about the program
"I learned that we are all responsible for making our town and county better. We need to get involved in programs to make things happen."
"EXCEL helped me to build relationships with other community leaders. Democratic government doesn't work unless you participate."
"This program is effective because it allows people to learn in a short time what it has taken me 20 years to learn. What an advantage!"
“This knowledge helps me improve my resource network. I can better empower those I work with to be better advocates for themselves.”
“EXCEL engages people with the information to better lead them to believe they can actively participate in a beneficial manner for their community. Don’t take it for granted that someone else will do it, step forward to contribute.”
“In light of the recent events of September 11, it would seem even more important for everyone to understand their community. The more people know about their community, the better they can understand issues and problems and seek viable solutions.”
“I liked sitting down in a room of people and seeing all the different ideals, opinions, and thoughts that everyone had and then seeing how everyone arrived at a conclusion.”
EXCEL
utilizes a wide variety of resources from both within the county and
outside its boundaries. The issue discussions are not lectures, but are
designed to provide interactive learning experiences where class
participants also share their knowledge and expertise. Outside resources
include community leaders, educators, business people, legislators, and
faculty and staff from the University of Missouri.
EXCEL tuition is $150 per person. This covers the cost of the creative thinking retreat, state government tour, hotel accommodations, and resource materials. Many participants receive assistance from their employers or from volunteer organizations they are associated with.
Recruiting is now underway for the 2004 class. For additional information or to request an application, contact
Karla Deaver, Texas County Extension Center, 401 S. Third, Houston, MO (417)967-4545 or spencerka@missouri.edu
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University of Missouri Extension Texas County texasco@missouri.edu Updated 01/11/06 |
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