University of Wisconsin - Extension

A participant reflects on his Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program experiences

By Casey Langan, The Country Today writer

They say all good things must come to an end, and that was definitely the case when I graduated from the two-year Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program (WRLP) in July.

Program develops rural leaders

The program, a public-private education collaboration administered by the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, offers emerging leaders broader perspectives on the issues that their communities deal with. It was a true privilege to be part of the program¿s ninth class of adults who live and work in rural Wisconsin.

From Selma, Ala., to the Great Wall

Over the course of 11 seminars we met teenage gang members in Milwaukee and civil rights leaders from the South. We walked the Great Wall of China and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. We volunteered at a women¿s shelter in Appleton and took water samples from a North Woods lake. We studied energy policy in Washington, D.C., and health issues in Dodge County. We toured a dairy farm in China, as well as prisons, community centers, businesses and schools throughout Wisconsin. All along the way we met an incredible array of leaders.

On our travels to South Korea and China, we contrasted how other cultures are building their economies, raising their children, and preserving (or not) their natural resources.

Unique people and learning

I can honestly say I learned more from my time with WRLP than I did from four years of college. I think it's because the program offers an enclosed and experimental setting. A unique mix of people were put together to be given tasks and new experiences. Part of the learning was watching how each of us reacted. We sometimes disagreed, but we still respected each other at the end of the day.

The learning continued after the end of the day. During our two years together we took a hayride on a participant¿s farm, danced in Chinese discotheques, gave the sport of curling a try and sang around campfires.

One member called what we had "the epitome of friendship." There was no group of people I would have rather been with during those scary days after the attacks on 9/11. As for our time in Asia in April, I have too many cherished memories to even mention.

When we parted ways in Mosinee after our graduation ceremony, I left feeling hopeful. Hopeful because there are so many good people around our state who care so deeply about youth, senior citizens, natural resources and agriculture.

The beginning of a journey

Our inspiring graduation ceremony reminded me that this point in our lives wasn't about something ending, but about the journey each of us is on.

Although our paths will never cross quite the same way they did over the last two years, I know the great people I shared this journey with will influence the path I take in the future.

For more information: Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program, (608) 263-0817

Reprinted with permission from The Country Today.