Developing Leadership Capacity in a Rural, Farm-Dependent Community

The exodus of youth from rural communities after high school graduation is a growing concern to the resiliency and vitality of rural, farm-dependent counties across the U.S. These communities suffer from the outmigration of their youth, which leads to a lack of available future leadership capacity. The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge and skills needed for youth to engage in civic leadership at the local level. In addition, we wanted to support youth with mentors comprised of current adult leaders in the community. Therefore, we also identified the skills needed for adults to mentor youth effectively. Findings revealed youth need knowledge and skills in civics, communications, critical thinking and problem solving, cultural competence, decision-making, and leadership to make decisions in their local community. Mentors need knowledge and skills in coaching, ethics and values, leadership capacity, level of community engagement, personal behaviors, and creating positive youth-adult partnerships.