NDSU Extension Leadership and Civic Engagement

09/03/2026

What is Leadership? 🤔

There are numerous definitions out there. The most basic definition from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is "the office or position of a leader," which isn't very helpful! 🫣

A blog post from Boston University points out that "[l]eadership is more than a position of authority; it is the ability to guide, influence, articulate a vision, and rally others toward common goals, often in the face of uncertainty or adversity." (https://www.bu.edu/cas/what-is-leadership/)

An article from Center for Creative Leadership defines leadership as "a social process that enbles individuals to work together to achieve results that they could never achieve working alone." Notably, this definition doesn't limit leadership to actions taken by those in a position of authority. (https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-is-leadership-a-definition/)

How would YOU define leadership? Comment below to let us know! 👇

09/02/2026

Check out this and next month's scheduled OneOp webinars! 💻

https://oneop.org/upcoming-webinars/

09/02/2026

🌟 Leadership 🌟

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy where the leader’s main goal is to serve others, rather than being served.

Empathy: Understanding and being sensitive to the emotions and needs of others. 🫂
Listening: Actively listening to others, giving them the space to express their ideas and concerns. 🗣️
Awareness: Being aware of the needs, challenges, and goals of both individuals and the team. 🕵️‍♀️
Persuasion: Influencing others through reasoning and encouragement, rather than through authority or coercion. 📢
Healing: Helping others overcome personal or professional challenges and fostering a supportive environment. ❤️
Conceptualization: Thinking beyond the day-to-day tasks and focusing on the bigger picture and long-term goals. 💡
Commitment to Growth: Encouraging and supporting the personal and professional development of team members. 🌳
Building Community: Fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the team or organization‍. 🤝

09/01/2026

We’re proud to recognize the NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota as the Presenting Sponsor of ND Next: The Future Grows Here!

Their support helps make it possible to bring together entrepreneurs, business owners, community leaders, educators, and partners from across North Dakota to share ideas, make connections, and celebrate what’s possible in rural communities.

Thank you for helping make ND Next possible!

Learn more, view the full schedule, and register at ndsu.ag/ndnext.

09/01/2026

HHS is encouraging communities across the state to strengthen connection, compassion and support as we recognize Su***de Prevention Month. Reach out, start a conversation and remind someone they are not alone. Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma and help create communities where every North Dakotan feels supported and connected.

08/31/2026

Sharing this GROW Awards opportunity in case your work intersects with one or more of the focus areas. AgTech Education & Workforce, Education & Industry Partnerships, Workforce Ready Communities, AgTech Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Sharing. If you have an idea that might fit - please apply!

FRIDAY (9/4/2026) is the deadline to apply for GROW Community Innovation Awards!!!

If your community has an idea that could strengthen North Dakota’s AgTech workforce, there’s still time to apply for funding through GROW — Grassroots Rural Opportunities for Workforce.

Applicants can request up to $7,500 for locally driven projects focused on AgTech education, applied learning, industry partnerships, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing.

📅 Applications close Friday, September 4, 2026
💰 Awards up to $7,500
📣 Award notifications by September 15

Have an idea that could make a difference in your community? Don’t miss the deadline.
👉 Learn more and apply:
https://farmsfeedstheworld.com/grow-community-innovation-awards/

The GROW Community Innovation Awards are made possible through the NSF AgTech Engine in collaboration with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce (FMWF Chamber).

08/31/2026

⏰ Early bird registration for ND Next ends Sept. 1!

The full schedule is now online—check out the keynote speakers, 16 breakout sessions, Community Showcase, Resource Partners and more.

Join us Sept. 30–Oct. 1 in Carrington for ND Next: The Future Grows Here.

👉 View the schedule and register at ndsu.ag/ndnext

08/27/2026

💸 Grant Opportunity 💸

North Dakota received a large swath of funds to support the Rural Health Transformation program, a five-year, statewide investment to strengthen rural health care and help make ND the healthiest state in the country. 💰

Funding opportunities through this program have been rolling out gradually; while several opportunities are now closed, others are still open, and more may be coming down the pipeline until all funds are claimed. 🚑

Stay up to date on the most recent information on Rural Health Transformation Funding Opportunities in North Dakota here: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation/funding

08/25/2026

🗂️ Meeting Management Tip 🗂️

Establishing ground rules is crucial for productive and respectful board meetings. Here are some sample rules:

Start and End on Time: Respect everyone’s schedule by maintaining punctuality. ⏰
Be Respectful: Foster a courteous and professional environment. 🤝
Let Everyone Be Heard: Ensure all voices are given a chance to contribute. 🗣️

By implementing these ground rules, you create a framework for efficient and harmonious meetings! 🚀✨

Need help setting up effective ground rules for your board? Contact us for training sessions!

Share your favorite meeting ground rule below! ✔️

08/25/2026

Early Bird Registration ends September 1! ⏰

Still deciding if ND Next is for you? Take a look at the full conference schedule now available online and see what’s planned — keynote speakers, 16 breakout sessions, the Community Showcase, networking opportunities and more.

Join us in Carrington, Sept. 30–Oct. 1, for ND Next: The Future Grows Here.

👉 Explore the schedule and register by Sept. 1 for the $75 Early Bird rate: ndsu.ag/ndnext