“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about," according to best-selling leadership author Margaret J. Wheatley. One could argue that one must know oneself and understand their "why" before engaging in their community. Cultivating and growing community through leadership development is a key aspect of being a county extension agent.

The Pendleton County Seeds of Change professional development seminar was developed by the Pendleton County Ag Agent & Local Health Department Educator on a two-fold basis to explore the participant's emotional intelligence while also identifying and implementing a strategic plan to make community organizations' missions stronger. Rural communities thrive not because of government but because of engaged citizens who plant the seeds of change, nurture its progress, and eventually, the community harvests the rewards.

The day we plant the seeds is not the day we reap the reward. Personal leadership development and self-awareness are critical to be impactful while also avoiding burnout. Day one worked with participants to identify on a personal level the how and why they make the decisions on which seeds they plant in their community. Knowing if they are a Tiller (idea), Planter (planner), Cultivator (implementer), or Harvester (evaluator) will help them in determining their best yes, but also how they can quickly identify their inputs and cultivate the long-term successes of their efforts. 

Seeds of Change sought to determine on day two what our strong grassroots organizations are doing well and the areas for improvement on the community level. Then strategically evaluating our community through the highly visual and creative method of Ripple Effect Mapping of Community Pride. Through the engaging process of Ripple Effect Mapping, the group determined that there is a lot of action around one specific area of the county but little communication between the various organizations who are making great things happen. It was determined that there needs to be more excellent inter-agency communication to facilitate more significant outcomes and improved results/awareness for all groups involved. Through the sharing of information will come better-utilized resources.

Leaving energized and with a list of tangible products and goals (start a county leadership program, increase inter-agency communication, create substantial resources to better evaluate community outcomes around the seven capital framework), the participants were charged now knowing of "all the great things happening in our community, that I didn't know about before." "This professional development was probably the best I have ever attended because it was specific to the community and people that I love."