SDARL Seminar Schedule & Curriculum

The leadership journey begins with an assessment of the strengths of each participant, and the group develops as a team. We hear individual stories, learn about the process of leadership development, and the unique attributes of the SDARL leadership program. Class members interact in a question/answer format with SDARL alumni, and inspirational and motivational speakers provide a glimpse of the character of leaders.

Leadership is told in stories, and participants begin to learn how to tell their stories and become better communicators. Public speaking training and written communication is a highlight of this seminar, and interpersonal communication skills of how to work a room and network are explored. Class members begin to learn about the importance of their leadership attitude and finding a purpose in their own lives, as they listen to stories of community building and philanthropy that have shaped our state.

This seminar focuses on the process of creating change in SD with an exploration of the role of state government and issues critical to the future of our state. Class members learn how to engage in the legislative process and what is being done to solve the most important problems that face SD. Topics include how to introduce legislation, lobby on behalf of needed change, run for office, and engage in the lawmaking process. The session includes one-on-one discussions with state and legislative leaders, and briefings from state agency officials whose departments impact agriculture and rural communities.

Precision agriculture, biofuels, and next-generation uses for agricultural products are explored in this seminar on technology and innovation. Class members learn about the relationship between technology and job growth, and how SD is leading the nation in precision agriculture and the spinoff businesses that will drive future growth in the state.

National issues affecting rural economic development and SD agriculture are explored in the nation’s capital with in-person discussions with our state’s congressional representatives. Participants receive briefings from federal agencies and advocacy groups working on behalf of agriculture, Native nations, and rural development, and all sides of current issues are presented. Class members learn valuable leadership lessons at sites of historical interest.

The richness and variety of SD’s natural resources are explored in a seminar dedicated to the Black Hills area. The class learns about mutually beneficial partnerships between ag producers and public resources, and the state and national parks that draw visitors to the state. Participants look at the importance of energy, beef cattle, military, and tourism as drivers of economic development.

This seminar demonstrates how agriculture is the economic engine that drives SD. Class members learn of the relationship between ag products and processing, and how together these industries are a force for community and economic development. The class explores the policies and practices of how these entities are funded, and how the entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged and promoted.

The focus is on maintaining vibrant rural communities as participants learn about healthcare, cooperatives, and local business development. Class members study how local hospitals and clinics care for residents. Participants explore the cooperative system of agriculture production and marketing, and economic development efforts led by the growing commodity processing industry and local entrepreneurs come into focus as class members meet community influencers and business owners.

Rural communities can struggle with access to resources and social services to address issues of poverty, hunger, job growth, housing, and more. In this seminar we visit communities in remote western South Dakota to explore ways that rural leaders can address these challenges through economic development, industry partnerships, agricultural diversification, nonprofit services, and other innovative approaches to preserving and growing rural communities.

SD is a patchwork of cultures and people, and the future of the state hinges on the ability of leaders to recognize and embrace people with varying backgrounds. This seminar explores the diverse cultures and populations represented in the state with a focus on successful community-building. Participants look inside themselves at their cultural awareness and emotional intelligence and explore organizations and initiatives that bring people together for the good of all.

Class members travel to an international destination(s) of importance to South Dakota agriculture and learn lessons in community development in a variety of cultures. This seminar is the capstone of all study to date, interacting with U.S. government officials, global commodity and advocacy groups, and learning of challenges facing a growing world population.

Class members will experience the importance of giving back by hosting a fundraising auction to benefit the upcoming leadership class. The seminar includes debriefing of the international study seminar and assimilation of the entire SDARL experience, and meet SDARL graduates to learn about alumni leadership, education, and travel opportunities. The class proudly joins SDARL alumni with a graduation ceremony and diploma.