In 1991, in Ohio, an estimated 450,000 people worked for local government services. The core curriculum includes topics such as Personal Leadership Assessment, Situational Leadership, Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution, Problem-Solving in Teams, Communica tions, Short and Long Term Planning, and Foundations for Organizational Development. The design team envisions the program as an innovative learning resource for existing and emerging local government leaders in small and mid-sized communities. Services include individual assessment, individual and group curriculum development, consulting, teaching and networking. A six to ten program series covers the core and includes special activities such as the leadership bridge retreat, leadership assessment simulator, and low ropes initiative team building and problem-solving experiences.
Final design is participatory, influenced strongly by local suggestions and resources.
Program offerings attract a wide range of citizens, however, who are simply interested in creating a space for collaborative problem-solving. The level of program offerings ranges from highly individualized experiences such as the Assessment Center module to state-wide and regional events such as satellite conferences. Regarding teaching methods, experiential learning is emphasized within the traditional context of workshops, retreats, conferences and extended learning experiences. Occasionally private consultants are recommended or representatives from local official associations. Programming partnerships are encouraged.