Patricia Kota

Rural Leadership Development - a Case Study: the Impact of a Leadership Development Program on Individuals and Communities in Rural New York State Patricia Kota

A three-phase, action based rural leadership development demonstration project is highlighted in this case study. Problems faced by people living in rural communities including isolation, is out weighed by quality of life and community involvement where neighbors help neighbors. Patricia Kota is a recognized leader in assisting communities to improve the talents of their residents - talents that will help them ask a better question, build a much needed program from 'nothing' and to ensure long-term sustainability. Kota describes how teams worked on community projects that supported reduction of head trauma due to adolescent traffic accidents, decreasing school-based violence behaviors, and establishment of a community center. The case study presents how the leadership program was designed and funded. It was also a sustainbility initiative for a rural health network providing much needed revenue for its operation. Residents among four-counties are directly impacted by the program and sub-programs with results of participant satisfaction provided.