Big Sky Big Leadership Graduates Third Local Class
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Allison Kosto,
U Broadwater County Extension Agent
“Leadership has helped me to understand that leaders come in all different shapes and sizes and approaches. I have learned that I don’t need to change my nature in order to lead, many quiet and introspective examples of leaders.” -Big Sky Big Leadership Graduate, Class of 2024
This is just one example of how Big Sky, Big Leadership in Broadwater County has benefitted its most recent set of alumni which graduated on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Graduates are Sierra Blatter, Nichole Brown, Rachael Brug, Daniel Harrigfeld, Misty Masolo, Traci Maughan, Janea Merkel, Sandi Olsen, John Pavao, Tyece Pool, Monique Prevel, Hannah Rauser, Ruby Taylor and Daniel Truesdell. Program participants engaged in monthly sessions across the county from September to May to enhance their leadership skills, increase understanding of community dynamics and improve awareness of local issues.
In the fall of 2021, Big Sky, Big Leadership launched in Broadwater County. This is a statewide community leadership initiative developed by MSU Extension. Rural communities face significant challenges that range from struggling economic conditions to changing demographics to qualify of life. These complex issues cannot be easily solved and require innovative leaders to look and think in new ways. This program works to address the need for community leaders and help develop leadership skills and improve awareness of local issues. To date, 38 people have successfully completed the program in Broadwater County.
Each session included leadership skill development and community experiences. Leadership topics focused on personal development as well as working with others. The most popular topics from this year were conflict management, personality types, volunteer engagement, generational differences and group dynamics.
The purpose of the community experience was to increase awareness and understanding of community resources and issues. Each session featured a tour or a guest speaker or panel to present critical information on the topic. Some of the favorite tours from 2023-2024 were Bridger Brewery, American Porch, Broadwater County Detention Center, Graymont Western, and GT Vintage Trailer Service.
New this year, participants also organized group projects resulting in three highly successful local events. One group collaborated with the school to organize an emergency responder event for second-grade students to meet first responders and learn what to do in an emergency. Another group hosted a Library Open House for the public to learn more about services provided by the library. The third group hosted a First Responder Appreciation and Community Awareness Event that brought nearly 200 people to the Townsend Fire Station to learn about the complex nature of emergency services.
On the final program evaluation, 100 percent of respondents felt the class had helped them become a better leader at home, at work or in the community. Additionally, 80 percent of participants felt the class helped them to improve the effectiveness of meetings, and 70 percent supported or mentored someone to become a better leader as a result of the class. Furthermore, six participants plan to apply for a county board position within the next twelve months or run for public office in the future.
“[This class] has shown me how to become a better leader in the community and at work. But most importantly given me the confidence to do so.” -Big Sky Big Leadership Graduate, Class of 2024
Contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or allison.kosto@montana.edu for more information about Big Sky, Big Leadership. Applications for 2024-2025 will be available in July. Become part of the solution and make a difference in your community!
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Allison Kosto
Image 1 Caption: Big Sky Leadership Graduates
Photo Credits: Allison Kosto
