Big Sky - Big Leadership Program
Author: Samantha Ferrat, BSBL Participant
Big Sky - Big Leadership Program Samantha Ferrat BSBL Participant Hello! Samantha Ferrat here, a Broadwater County native and recent graduate of the community development program, Big Sky Big Leadership (BSBL), a statewide leadership class offered locally by Allison Kosto, Montana State University Extension Agent Broadwater County.
BSBL provides the framework for emerging community and business leaders to embark on a fun and engaging journey towards improved leadership and stronger citizen involvement.
Did you know, research shows that 1 in every 22 adults in Montana needs to hold a leadership position to keep our rural communities operating? This statistic resonates with me as the growth of our county will continue, and more willingness and confidence to serve and lead within our community is needed.
BSBL is comprised of three main components – Leadership Skill Development, Community Experience, and a Group Project. Skill development is fundamental part of the program and begins with core leadership competences. The community experience aspect provides participants with the opportunity to increase their awareness of the community resources and issues. The third component is the group project where the cohort is challenged to plan, implement, and evaluate a project that benefits the community and engages all participants.
Additionally, meeting new people and forging new relationships are wonderful by-products of participating. When visiting with Jeff Kirksey, a 2021-22 graduate of BSBL, he says that the monthly day-long classes are “a great opportunity [to] grow personally, meet engaged community members, and take an inventory of our county’s strengths and challenges.”
I agree that participating in the class from September to May really creates a unique space for grasping issues and opportunities within our county. Participants will learn, engage, develop, and connect meaningfully for the benefit of our community and themselves. Self-improvement never goes out of style. Take this opportunity for yourself and others to learn, engage, and develop.
“I believe participants learn how they can better leverage their gifts to positively impact their neighbors and community.” states Kirksey. What a powerful and empowering statement.
The content of every class takes some aspect of leadership theory to the next level. We learned new skills or improved skills, which we were then equipped to use immediately and able to apply them in diverse situations. I also found that BSBL allows time and opportunity for deep learning, not just scratching the surface of relevant, applicable topics such as group dynamics, generational leadership, and conflict management, just to name a few.
Participating in BSBL is a tremendous opportunity as it is never too late to learn new concepts and practices, nor to improve key leadership skills and interactions. My hope for future participants is that they will be motivated to become involved in the community due to the skills, knowledge, and confidence they will have gained.
I highly recommend applying for the 2023-2024 Big Sky Big Leadership class. Contact MSU Extension Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or broadwater@montana.edu for an application packet.
Don’t delay - Applications are due Friday, August 25 th .
