Community Leadership

All Community Leadership Content

SDSU Extension community vitality team presenting an award.

Inspiring Community Leaders

Based on research and evidence gathered by industry experts, this program teaches communities, businesses and individuals the skills needed to foster exemplary leadership qualities.

Purple origami paper sailboats leading several smaller, white paper sailboats.

Timely Theories of Leadership

During times of leadership transition, it can be beneficial for community leaders to take a look at leadership theories that have been popular over the past two centuries.

Staff of the Horse Power organization helping a young male aboard a horse for a therapeutic ride.

Strategic Planning Focused on Your Organization’s Strengths

Is your organization in need of a clear direction? SDSU Extension Community Vitality offers strategic planning to groups by starting with your strengths and building on them.

A male conference attendee in a black cap constructing a homemade dream catcher. A woman sitting next to him is closely watching.

2019 Energize! Conference Evaluation Report

Evaluation Report for the 2019 Energize Conference held in Lemmon, South Dakota.

Two women preparing take-out containers for drive-up meal service.

Creative Ways to Serve Community Meals

At a time when we all need to use caution with human contact, the ideas of human fellowship remains important to our mental health. People are getting creative with ideas of serving their rural communities in new ways.

Two local government officials hosting a video meeting with their constituents.

Staying Involved in Local Government

Participation in government is a right of all citizens that leaders fought for when our country began. Ensuring that residents can turn out to voice their opinions during this time of balance with public health means governing bodies have had to be creative in their approach to doing business.

A room of people sit around tables and listen to the young entrepreneurs panel at the 2023 Energize conference in Wessington Springs

Hot Springs to host SDSU Extension 2024 Energize Conference

December 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality and the community of Hot Springs will host the 2024 Energize Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference on May 22 and 23, 2024.

Board members concluding a meeting.

Board Fundamentals: Setting the Foundation

Effective meetings, clear procedures, and strong leadership are key components of a successful board foundation. Learn some expert tips for building and maintaining a highly effective board in your community.

Birds-eye view of a small rural town

Home Starts Here

SDSU Extension’s Home Starts Here podcast seeks out the individuals, businesses, and ideas that are sparking vibrant communities in South Dakota.

South Dakota State University Extension, Community Vitality Home Starts Here podcast cover

SDSU Extension Community Vitality launches new podcast, ‘Home Starts Here’

December 18, 2023

The South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality team is proud to announce the launch of their new podcast, "Home Starts Here". For its fourth episode, there will be a live recording of “Home Starts Here” at 1 p.m. on March 25 at the Heritage Hall Museum complex during the 2023 Schmeckfest festival in Freeman, South Dakota.