Leadership Initiative

MSDL hosts many exciting events for our participants. Check out this section to see what we're doing right now!

Mid South Delta Leader Shares Learnings Locally

Bolivar County, MS - In late January, Adrian Brown sat in a large circle with 38 other Delta leaders. The group -- the first class of the Mid South Delta Leaders program -- was about to graduate. Brown reflected on his experience in the 18-month program, “I view my tenure in MSDL as if it were a puzzle. In the beginning, I only had one piece.  Slowly, the pieces came together to form voices, concerns, experiences, relationships and faces of the Mid South Delta Region. This puzzle has impacted my life more than words can express. The foundation for my continued work in this region has been truly reinforced.”

Less than a month after his graduation from the regional leadership program, Brown is busy creating a leadership program in his own community. Brown is partnering with Delta State University’s Ben Bufkin to direct Leadership Bolivar County 2005. Brown hopes that by co-chairing the six-month program, he will have a chance to share his leadership learnings and inspiration. “I hope that I can develop and sustain programs that will change and impact lives, such as MSDL has impacted mine.”

One year ago, Brown became the first African American to serve as County Administrator for Bolivar County, Mississippi.  At 27, he was also the youngest person ever to hold such a post in the State of Mississippi. “Many citizens in the county are surprised at the amount of success that I’ve had in this short period of time,” Brown comments. “I don’t look at it as success.  Success is something that is measured over a period of time. I feel that success will be made when our county has implemented new and cutting-edge services and programs five to ten years from now.” No doubt Brown will play a lead role in implementing such positive change.

Learn more at www.msdi.org/leadership.

Mid South Delta Leaders Explore Strength in Diversity

Olive Branch, MS -- In November, the Mid South Delta Leaders (MSDL) studied the importance of diversity in leadership during Retreat IV: Community Leadership Through Recognizing the Strength of Diversity, which was held in Olive Branch, Mississippi. During the retreat, participants discussed how multi-culturalism can create positive change in the Delta.

"I have a better understanding of multi-cultural societies and the need for greater reform in race relations. Racial harmony is a concern for all of us in reaching strengths in diversity," commented an MSDL class member from Arkansas.

Alan Gumbel, Gumbel & Associates, engaged the class in 'multi-cultural circles,' an exercise that explored diversity within the class and allowed opportunities to learn more about assumptions of various groups, including age, ethnicity, gender and religious affiliation. During the exercise, the class broke into groups, first organized by race, then by gender. Next, each group took turns describing how they thought the other groups viewed them. This provided a safe forum where the participants could explore stereotypes while respecting each other's different backgrounds.

Steve Allison, Allison & Associates Communications, discussed various myths associated with diversity, including "I can be perfect," "Someone else will take care of it" and "The one who talks the most is the smartest." According to Allison, "We lack valid currency on diversity issues. You can't undo your background, but you can build upon new experiences."

"Diversity is important," said MSDL Tri-State Director Christy Montesi, "But so are honesty and authenticity. Creating and sustaining an appreciation of our complexities and shared purpose takes time and commitment ... but it is obtainable."

MSDL is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Mid South Delta Initiative through a partnership between Delta State University in Mississippi, serving as the lead partner and fiscal agent; Arkansas State University and Grambling State University in Louisiana.

Mid South Delta Leaders Study in Washington, DC

Washington, DC -- Leadership in the National Political Arena was the focus of the recent study-travel tour for Class I of the Mid South Delta Leaders (MSDL) program. Forty-one Deltans from throughout the region spent a week in Washington, D.C. deepening their understandings of national governmental agencies, institutions and politics.

"The most significant part of the trip was getting first-hand knowledge of how our national policy makers operate,"said Amanda Williams, MSDL class member from Greenville, MS.

One of MSDL's six principles for effective leadership states that the leader of the 21st century knows how to positively impact public policy and the public governance processes. This study tour provided the MSDL class members with on-sight educational experiences in public policy issues and community and economic development strategies.

During the study tour, legislators and their staff met with the group, presented an overview of how public policy is established at the federal level and explained strategies to influence policy formation and adoption. They also discussed their unique perspectives on leadership in the national public policy environment in Washington.

Dr. Alice Warner, program director for policy at the W. K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), and Mr. Pat Babcock, Public Policy Associates, Inc. and former director of public policy at WKKF, joined the class each morning to debrief. Warner said, "With public policy, timing is everything. It is essential to capitalize on the resources and the opportunities that are available."

The Children's Defense Fund explained their role in protecting the rights of children and families and how Deltans can get involved in their efforts. Dr. Ray Simon, AR native with the U.S. Department of Education, discussed No Child Left Behind and upcoming strategies for this initiative.

Lois Boyd, MSDL class member from Marianna, AR, stated, "The opportunity to meet with the Children's Defense Fund was excellent. They issued a challenge to us to come back to the Delta and work harder than ever to help make this a better place for families and children."

MSDL is funded by the WKKF/ Mid-South Delta Initiative, through a partnership between Delta State University, Arkansas State University and Grambling State University in Louisiana.

Mid-South Delta Leaders Examine Economic Development

On May 6-7, the Mid South Delta Leaders program held its Retreat III, Community and Economic Development Systems, in Arkansas. This retreat strengthened the class members' understanding of community development and introduced participants to the latest trends in economic development.

Gordon Goodwin, of Development Solutions, addressed the importance of the interdependence of education, public policy and economic development systems. He examined various economic mechanisms from a global perspective and discussed how these trends impact the tri-state region. "Gordon's definition of economic development and how it affects the Delta region reinforced our common concerns across the tri-state Delta," commented Bobbie Chase, class member from Lake Providence, LA.

MSDL is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation/Mid-South Delta Initiative, through a partnership between Delta State University, serving as the lead partner, Arkansas State University and Grambling State University.

For more information, visit the MSDL website at www.msdi.org/leadership or contact Christy Montesi, Tri-State Director, at 662-846-4336, or by email at criddle@deltastate.edu.

Mid South Delta Leaders Ask: "The Delta . . . What Vision? Whose Vision?"

In April, Mid South Delta Leaders class members participated in a tri-state summit titled, The Delta... What Vision? Whose Vision? The summit was organized around the study of three systems: education; economic development and public policy; and the social, cultural and historical impacts on these systems.

During the summit, Dr. Myrtis Tabb, MSDL tri-state leader, introduced the action learning team process to the group and opened with Margaret Mead's quote: Never underestimate the ability of a small group of people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

MSDL is a small group of 40 class members representing the 55-county Delta Region, but they are all committed to the region and have a desire for continuing personal and professional growth and development.

Melissa Thaxton, class member from Monroe, Louisiana, said, "At these summits, I learned how important it is that we work together to make each and every one of our communities better places to live and work. I believe that these summits, along with future MSDL events, will keep us abreast of what's going on and how things can be successful when we participate."

MSDL's next event, Retreat III, will be held in Arkansas, May 6-7, 2004. For more information about MSDL, contact Christy Montesi, Tri-State Director, at criddle@deltastate.edu, 662-846-4336, or visit the MSDL web site at www.msdi.org/leadership.

Mid South Delta Leaders Study Public Policy

To help participants develop a greater understanding of public policy at the state level, Class I of the Mid-South Delta Leaders program will participate in three regional summits in March and a tri-state summit in April, titled, The Delta . . . What Vision? Who's Vision? Class members will attend their individual state summits at the state capitals in March and the tri-state summit in April.

The regional state summits will be organized around the three systems: education, economic development and public policy, and the social, cultural and historical impacts on these systems. Class members have chosen one of these topics, and will gather information at their individual state summits to share with the class at the tri-state summit.

Class members are taking an active role in these summits. State teams, composed of four to six class members are planning their regional summits.

Regional Summit Dates:
Arkansas, March 2-3, 2004, Little Rock
Louisiana, March 30-31, 2004, Baton Rouge
Mississippi, March 16-17, 2004, Jackson

Tri-State Summit: April 12-13, 2004, Greenwood, Mississippi

For more information about MSDL, contact Christy Montesi, Tri-State Director, at 662-846-4336 or criddle@deltastate.edu.

Mid South Delta Leaders Program Holds Second Retreat

The MSDL Retreat II, Strengthening Community Through Leadership & Relationships, was held in Vidalia, Louisiana in early November. The retreat objectives were to

• Introduce participants to a community-building process that emphasizes assets rather than problems;

• Highlight the significance of healthy communities within healthy economies;

• Broaden participants' appreciation of the resources available within a community for purposes of community and economic development;

• Enhance participants' skills in group dynamics and decision-making processes; and

• I

  ntroduce new trends in the fields of leadership and management.

The retreat facilitators were Alan Gumbel and Ken Hubbell. Mr. Gumbel presented a history of Delta initiatives, which provided MSDL participants with a deeper understanding of the Delta's context. Mr. Hubbell used the Ken Hubbell and Associates' Building Blocks of Change™ to explore the interrelated dimensions of leadership.

"I learned about the various components of the community and their mutual influence on one another," stated Rodney Francis, MSDL class member from Cleveland, Mississippi. "From this knowledge, I will be able to play a more active role in the process of change within my community."

"Change is inevitable, growth is optional," commented Clarence Hawkins, Mayor of Bastrop, Louisiana, during the recent Retreat II of the Mid-South Delta Leaders (MSDL) program. "Keep striving to make positive change happen."

This retreat is one component of the 18-month MSDL curriculum that is a means of improving the intellectual and social capital needed to help improve the community and economic growth in the 55-county Delta region of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

"Oftentimes, we forget or don't know how to see value in ourselves. MSDL impacts us economically, educationally, culturally and spiritually. I will take what I learn and work to try to help others to see their importance in making positive changes," commented Lynette Graham, MSDL class member from Lake Village, Arkansas.

MSDL is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation/Mid-South Delta Initiative through Delta State University, serving as the lead partner; Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas and Grambling State University in Louisiana.

Mid South Delta Leaders Program Holds First Retreat

The first retreat, I Am…You Are…, of Class I of MSDL (Mid South Delta Leaders) was held September 11-13 in Hot Springs, Arkansas with 45 class members: 16 from Arkansas, 13 from Louisiana and 16 from Mississippi. Participants ranged in age from 23-63 and represented a wide variety of employment sectors: education, government, non-profit, business, entrepreneurs, faith-based organizations, and community volunteers. Despite their various ages and backgrounds, the MSDL students found that they had many things in common.

“We were broken into focus groups where we discussed the various challenges we face in our communities,” explained Michelle Saucer of United Way in Monroe, Louisiana. “Alan Gumbel, our facilitator, showed us that education and economic development issues have universal effects across city and state lines. I came away with the realization that regional collaboration is more effective than only focusing on a city or county. If you broaden your focus to include an entire region, then you become aware of other resources and opportunities to develop partnerships. Unfortunately, the media tends to focus on negative rural stereotypes; a regional perspective is an effective way for small rural areas to partner and compete with big cities.”

Dr. Myrtis Tabb, Tri-State Leader, commented, "MSDL is unique because of its tri-state focus. This program has a tri-state regional mission that brings together a diverse group of citizens to enhance the quality of life through human resource development, community development and economic development." MSDL is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Mid South Delta Initiative through a partnership between Delta State University in Mississippi, Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and Grambling State University in Louisiana. For more information about MSDL, contact Christy Montesi at 662-846-4336 or by email at criddle@deltastate.edu.

MSDI Explores New Regional Leadership Initiative

This leadership program will serve to provide the intellectual capital that drives economic and community development growth. A 3-state program will be a catalyst for new momentum of providing technical assistance and support to communities throughout the region. The goal of this program is to identify and encourage a new generation of leaders who will appreciate the value of well-calculated risks, as well as innovative, creative, persistent and strong partnerships across sectors. The program must assertively identify and engage new sources of leadership, including those who have traditionally been under-represented, such as people of color, low-income residents, youth and women. Forty-five individuals (15 per state) will be selected for a one year leadership development program that increases the participants' understanding and use of three major systems: 1) education (life long), 2) public policy formation and 3) community based economic development.

Grassroots Leadership Development: A Guide for Grassroots Leaders, Support Organizations, and Funders -- Click to view in PDF or HTML format.

In the MSDI effort, leadership issues are incorporated in the core principles, each Community Team also is engaged in learning about and applying approaches to inclusive, shared leadership. For the Initiative broadly, the issue of leadership has been central to the work of the The Delta Initiative Advisory Coalition, which assists the Foundation in developing the Initiative. DIAC created a Leadership Committee composed of experienced community-based and nonprofit organization representatives to investigate ways of enhancing the existing leadership programs and opportunities in the Delta.

MSDI Leadership Committee mission is to facilitate the formation of local and regional communities into healthy, vibrant, and economically productive places to live by:

• Creating a regional shared vision for leadership
• Enhancing leadership skills and opportunities for people and communities to undertake innovative, collaborative, and comprehensive approaches to community development.

MSDI Leadership Development Workshop-June 1999

The Leadership Committee convened a regional workshop in June to gain insights into the program objectives for the current leadership efforts in the region. Representatives of more than 75 leadership programs from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi attended the Mid South Delta Initiative Leadership Development Workshop held at the Eagle Ridge Conference Center at Hinds Community College in Jackson, MS on June 24-25, 1999. Over 150 individuals attended. Click to view a complete list of invitees to the conference.

Click here to read the conference summary report:

Helping People Help Themselves PDF File* (350K)

* The conference summary is available in PDF format, and you will need the Acrobat Reader to view this file. Please download and install the FREE Acrobat Reader.

Phase II

In the year 2000, a series of focus groups were held in Monroe, LA; Forrest City, AR; and Greenville, MS. The leadership subcommittee then reviewed the reports and findings that resulted and made the following recommendation to the DIAC:

• Create a comprehensive Tri-State Leadership Development Program to include those individuals who have been historically excluded from decision-making opportunities.

There were two essential rationales for this recommendation:

1. Small rural communities can no longer rely upon policies and practices of the past.
2. The future of the South's socioeconomic status is irrevocably intertwined with issues of cross-cultural understanding.

Click here to view the complete recommendations.

Continuing Leadership Efforts

The MSDI partners expect continuous collaborative benefits for programs that participate in this informal regional leadership initiative:

• Strengthen leadership programs.
• Broaden resource pool.
• Increased networking opportunities.
• Shared vision for leadership development.
• Opportunity to develop partnerships.
• Comprehensive Regional/National/International leadership development system.

For more information about the MSDI Leadership Initiative contact our regional office in Pine Bluff or send us an Email at info@msdi.org.