“PROJECT EARL”
Sponsored by the Rural Communities
Foundation of Nova Scotia
“To promote and facilitate lifelong learning
possibilities that encourage and support
healthy, sustainable communities.”
Digby Community Education Centre
(Adult Learning Programs, Public School
Programs, GED)
 Learning Grove Childcare Centre and After
School Program
 Career Resource Centre and Weymouth Job
Centre










Wilderness Park Project
Playground Expansion Project
Construction Trades Projects
Job Coaching Projects
Family Literacy Projects (PACT/FLIEF/MOB)
BALLOT ACE AND SLICK (PGI)
Project Earl (RCFNS)
Older Worker Project
Renovation and Program Enhancements
(LGCC)
“Educating Adults for Rural Leadership”
What is Community Leadership?
Community leadership spans across the
economic and social sectors. From small
businesses, charitable organizations,
recreation, education, social organizations,
to local government - community leaders
make things happen!
THREE COMPONENTS



Group Mentorship Program
Skill building and inspiring workshops
Portfolio Development





Provide Local information and put it in
context
Awareness of Rural and Community Issues
Provide a forum where focus is on Leadership
and Skill Development
Provide support to students to achieve their
leadership goals
Build confidence, prepare students for the
future


Provide workshops that compliment the
learners curriculum in essential skills
development
Provide workshops that inspire the students
to be involved in their community
“Effective Leadership is moving from
hierarchical, top-down leadership models
to inclusive, participatory leadership styles.
Effective leaders are people who commit
themselves to tackling challenges, help
their community articulate a vision for
change, and build the commitment and
wherewithal to improve the lives of people
within the community.”
- Building Leadership Capacity for the 21st century –
A report from Global Leadership Scans, W.K.
Kellogg Foundation

The majority of our students have established
their families and their lives within our
community. Many pursue further education,
return to work locally and become active
members of the community. They have
functioning roles as citizens, volunteers and
contributors to the economic environment.



Inspiring local Leaders
Provides deeper understanding of our
responsibility within the community
Graduates, participants improve the capacity
of the organizations that they are involved
with (Schools, Work, Recreation, Local
Government, Churches, etc.)
Jean Brittain
Town Councilor
ADVICE for those who are
to become Leaders:








Accountability
Responsibility
Take Risks
Be the Early Bird
Work Hard and Don’t let
yourself down
Do it Now
Attract a Mentor/Ask for
Help
Have a positive attitude


“As a counselor, you
have to be conscious
of your community and
the constituents.”
Jean encourages our
students, as the
generation of potential
leaders to become
involved in our
community, and not
wait for “someone else
to do it”.



Julie MacLean
Karla Nickerson
Darcey Maillett
“Leaders bring to
the table the
concerns of our own
rural communities
and represent the
area. They are the
voice of the
community in their
leadership roles.” An
example Julie used
was her input
regarding HRSDC
funding for not-forprofits and how
policies were
changed as a result
of lobbying the right
government
officials.



Workplace
Management
System created by
John Christensen.
Inspired by the
work culture at
Seattle’s Pike Place
Fish Market
Uses motivation,
positive attitude,
and teamwork
Medicine Wheel teachings are
among the oldest teachings
of First Nations people and
for thousands of years have
been passed from
generation to generation.
The teachings contain
everything needed to walk
the earth walk in a peaceful
and good way. The
teachings help to seek
healthy lifestyles: healthy
mind (North), strengthen
the inner spirit (South),
inner peace (West), strong,
healthy bodies (East).
Students Participate in a credit
course that is specifically
designed for selfassessment, recognition of
skills and achievements,
personal development and
building confidence. It has
been recognized for its value
from a personal development
perspective, as well as an
excellent career tool.



Craig Marshall Smith – Author, “You had
better be White by 6 a.m.!”
Kristy Herron-Bishop, Digby Board of Trade
David Irvine, MEDIC/Southwest Health Board




Personal Dimensions (True Colors), with Mona
Raymond
Conflict Transformation and Resolution, with
Kelly Foxton
Teamwork and Motivation, with Jennifer Blood
Analyzing our Community, with Sheri McBride
Lionel “Junior” Taylor
receives the
Provincial Volunteer
Award for Digby
County.
Sometimes a good leader might not recognize
that they ARE the leader.
Thank you.