The Southwest Colorado Leadership Collaborative is a nonprofit leader in training citizens for involvement in their communities. SCLC is the organization that provides hands-on information to adults and teens about Montezuma and Dolores Counties. It is the parent group for Leadership Montezuma, High School Leadership Montezuma and the Summit Leadership Series. It is also the organization that collaborates with other groups to bring about diverse training classes.
A written statement from SCLC provides the following information about programs:
The Southwest Colorado Leadership Collaborative has brought training to more than 300 area residents since 1995. That training continues today. Currently, there are 20 Leadership Montezuma participants from all over Montezuma County. High School Leadership students are from Dove Creek, Southwest Open School, Mancos and Dolores schools. This year the classes will interact with more than 50 local presenters from a multitude of professions. This includes county officials, educators, law enforcement, Ute tribal officials, medical professionals, agricultural workers and business leaders.
Leadership Montezuma programs run from September through May. The classes meet once per month (usually Thursday) for a full day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast, snacks and lunch are provided. During these classes, interactive presentations are made. The nine topics are: Natural Resources, Government, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Economic Development and Tourism, Culture, Education, Health and Human Services, Criminal Justice and Quality of Life.
High School Leadership grew out of the adult program, but with a different emphasis. Each time HSLM meets, it is with hands-on involvement in an ongoing topic. In that vein the youth develop their own activities around the subject matter. One example was last years Safe Teen Driving presentation which was offered to all five of the high schools. This years student participants are active and energized about the topic of Barriers to Healthy Teen Eating.
The role of SCLC in Montezuma County is well described by the Mission Statement, . . . to provide an organizational umbrella for grassroots collaborative programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the Dolores and Montezuma County communities.
Many graduates of the programs have expressed how meaningful their participation has been.
In the words of Rhonda Cluff, who has since moved out of the county: I learned so much from Leadership Montezuma. You dont have to live in Montezuma County to reap the benefits of Leadership Montezuma.
It is safe to say that Leadership Montezuma has made the county both smaller and more cohesive for its graduates. The program allows participants an opportunity to experience the similarities among us rather than the possible differences. Friendships and connections made from SCLC programs attract participants from all area communities. Often, alumni of these programs remain motivated and connected in ways that contribute to a dynamic and evolving region. Even people whose schedules do not permit a highly-engaged lifestyle feel part of the larger County after graduating.
SCLC operates as a nonprofit organization and donations are welcome at PO Box 609, Cortez, CO 81321. To find out about becoming a participant yourself or to learn more about SCLC and our programs, please go to swcommunityleadership.org. If you would like information about attending any of the three programs, call Jim at 903-0944 or write to info@swcommunityleadership.org.
All alumni are invited to a social gathering on Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Main Street Brewery in Cortez to meet the current class and renew connections.
