County Extension Director,
Randolph County

Professional Development Plan:
Title of Program: Discovering Archdale-Trinity: A Leadership Development Program
Location: Archdale, North Carolina, Randolph County
Beginning date of proposed educational program:  January 26, 2007
Ending date or proposed educational program August 16, 2007
Proposed degree to be completed (if applicable): N/A
Cost of Participation in the leadership development program: $650

Carolyn wants to take a Leadership Workshop series to learn more about the Archdale-Trinity area. She believes it will help her and in turn Cooperative Extension develop new contacts and networks that will help Extension serve the Archdale-Trinity Community more effectively.  In addition,  she sees the program as an opportunity to improve my leadership skills and become more attuned to the needs and concerns of the citizens of Archdale-Trinity

The Archdale /Trinity area is one area of Randolph County that is growing and is underserved by Cooperative Extension. The area has nearly 16,000 people. Eight public schools are located within the area serving over 5,000 students.  Being 20 miles from the county seat of Asheboro and two to five miles from High Point has posed created many challenges for developing and marketing Extension programming in the area. "Discovering Archdale-Trinity" is a leadership development program presented by the Archdale-Trinity Chamber of Commerce. Its goal is to equip current and future leaders in the area with skills necessary to make decisions that will positively impact the lives of the citizens of Archdale and Trinity.  It also seeks to develop and diversify the base of leadership in the area by educating leaders about resources available to them. 

The program begins with an overnight retreat at Camp Caraway, where Dr. Larry Peppers of Clemson University will lead participants in a simulated society exercise. On the ensuing days listed below, participants have the opportunity to tour many areas of the community, to participate in role-playing of realistic situations in government and economic development, and to hear speakers from the Archdale-Trinity community. Each day will conclude with a personal growth workshop, featuring skill building in conflict and time management, communication, and meeting management. In addition, outside assignments geared toward community involvement will be conducted.