FAIRMONT - "Leadership Martin County" isn't an experience for everyone; in fact, only a select few will be chosen to participate in the 9-month, 3-credit course.
And the Riverland Community College curriculum isn't generic. Students will learn the ins and outs of Martin County, in order to build leaders specifically for this area.
"This is tailor-made for our county," said Bob Wallace, director of Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce.
Wallace has been eyeing the idea for a couple years, waiting to see how successful it would be in other communities. Riverland Com-munity College has been holding the course in Austin and Albert Lea for a couple years, in cooperation with those cities' Chambers.
"To have a partnership like this with Riverland is the way to go: You get college credits; it's all laid out, and it's tried and tested," Wallace said.
Organizers are envisioning 15-18 students participating in Leadership Martin County, most of whom will be sponsored by a business to help cover tuition costs.
One day per month, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the group will gather to focus on a different aspect of Martin County. Students will become well-acquainted as they spend the day together, starting with breakfast, then tours, training, lunch, followed by more touring and more training.
Day leaders are responsible for monthly meetings, deciding the agenda for the day. For instance, school superintendents Butch Hanson and Randy Grupe are likely to lead the education segment in November.
The kickoff is planned for September, when students, Riverland college instructors, day leaders and the advisory committee will tour cities throughout the county. In October, students will study the qualities of leadership and strength. The following seven months will cover:
o education;
o government;
o health and human services;
o quality of life;
o agri-business and economic development;
o public safety and criminal justice.
The group will graduate at the last class, set for May.
"Building future leaders is what this is all about," Wallace said. "... If we have people who really understand their communities, they'll be better citizens and better leaders."
County Coordinator Scott Higgins - a day leader for the course's government segment - completed a similar program in his hometown of Indianola, Iowa.
"They were looking for folks to get involved in their community," Higgins said.
Even though he had lived in Indianola his entire life, he wasn't aware of many of the opportunities the county had to offer, or the challenges it faced.
"It's one way to explore where you live, and get to know the issues," he said. "... And it's a way to sustain and keep communities viable."
And meet people.
"The biggest thing was getting involved in the community and making contacts with the movers and shakers in the county," Higgins said. "Their involvement got me involved."
Tuition for Leadership Martin County is $650, including class fees, books, materials and even meals. Local sponsors helping to lower material costs are Fairmont Medical Center, Martin County Ignite, Fairmont Economic Development Authority and Rosens, Inc.
Scholarships will be available if a nonprofit organization decides to sponsor a student. Applications will be available later this month.