In March, 2011, the community of Red Wing submitted an application to the Blandin Foundation for the Blandin Community Leadership Program (BCLP). The Blandin Foundation, headquartered in Grand Rapids, MN, believes that community leadership is different from organizational leadership. They state, “it is more complex, requiring different skill sets. Within this context of leadership, how things get done in community is as important as what gets done. Energy builds as people see new possibilities in themselves, in one another and in their community.” The BCLP is centered on three core competencies: Framing – identifying issues affecting overall community health, Social Capital – building a network of relationships to get things done, and Mobilizing – engaging the right people and resources for success.
A diverse group of community leaders, representing industry, education, government, commerce and nonprofits jointly worked on our case statement for the Blandin application. Our application identified economic development, including a vibrant downtown, and changing demographics as two critical issues facing our community. Strong leadership and the knowledge and ability to collaborate on work plans were listed as key outcomes we seek from the BCLP.
For more information, please contact United Way Office at info@uw-gwp.org or 651-388-6309. You may also learn more at www.blandinfoundation.org.
Important Dates for Red Wing, MN:
- Retreat Dates: January 23-27, 2012
- Workshop Dates: April 24-25, 2012 and July 24, 2012
Red Wing has been accepted for a 2nd Cohort in 2012 for the Blandin Community Leadership Program:
- Recruitment for the 2nd cohort will begin in early May, 2012 with a suggested application deadline in early July, 2012. Current BLCP alternates (all applicants wait listed on 1st round) will be given the option of “carrying forward” their current application for consideration for the 2nd cohort
- Retreat November 5-9th , 2012
- 1st Workshop Feb 12-12th, 2013
- 2nd Workshop May 7, 2013
