Russell County Leadership

13 ways to kill your community

“13 Ways to Kill Your Community” offers a powerful lens for leadership development because it highlights the everyday attitudes and behaviors that quietly undermine growth, teamwork, and innovation. By examining these thirteen pitfalls—such as resisting change, discouraging new ideas, avoiding collaboration, or failing to invest in people—leaders can more easily recognize how similar patterns show up within organizations, teams, and personal leadership styles. Using these insights in a leadership program encourages self-awareness, accountability, and proactive problem-solving. It helps participants learn not only what hurts a community or workplace culture, but also what strengthens it: openness, engagement, shared responsibility, and a willingness to adapt. This shift from destructive habits to intentional, community-building behaviors can transform how leaders influence others and create environments where people thrive.

County wide networking

Russell County leadership builds strong, county-wide connections by fostering collaborative partnerships, and engaging directly with residents in every community. Leaders actively participate in local events, community meetings, and outreach programs to ensure they understand the needs and perspectives of diverse groups throughout the county. Creating a unified network that supports shared goals and collective problem-solving, Russell County leadership strengthens relationships, increases transparency, and ensures that community members feel heard, valued, and represented in county initiatives.

Clifton strengths deep dive

Many of us have asked ourselves what truly defines us and sets us apart. The CliftonStrengths assessment helps answer those questions by identifying the natural talents that shape how we think, feel, and interact with the world. Through its online evaluation, CliftonStrengths highlights your unique patterns across 34 areas of talent. The results give you insight into the strengths that come most naturally to you, helping you understand how you can succeed by using what you do best associates get intimate coaching from certified Gallup instructor through the RCL program.

For more information about the assessment, visit Gallup’s official CliftonStrengths page: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253850/cliftonstrengths-for-individuals.aspx

About the RCL program

Program objectives

Leadership Development

Strengthen leadership skills
Foster community awareness and involvement
Connect participants with key community leaders and organizations
Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Encourage long-term community engagement

Program structure

Annual Program Timeline:

Runs from August to May.
Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month.
Graduation/Announcement ceremony held in June.

Class Composition:

Each class consists of 6-10 participants.
Participants are selected based on leadership potential and community involvement.

Session Format:

Each session is a full-day event, including guest speakers, site visits, group discussions, and hands-on activities.
Topics covered include economic development, civic engagement, local government, business and industry, and leadership skills.

Participation Expectations

Attendance:

Participants must attend all sessions.
More than one excused absence may result in removal from the program.
Excused Absence - An absence is considered excused when it is due to a valid reason and proper notification is provided in advance (when possible). Valid reasons may include:
Personal or family medical emergencies
Illness (with timely communication)
Death in the family
Court appearances or legal obligations
Pre-approved professional commitments (e.g., work travel or conferences)
Other significant life events communicated and approved by program leadership
To qualify as excused, the participant must notify program leadership as early as possible, and in writing, with a brief explanation. Supporting documentation may be requested in certain cases.
Unexcused Absence - An absence is considered unexcused when:
No prior notice is given
The reason provided is not deemed valid by program leadership
The participant simply does not show up
The absence is due to avoidable scheduling conflicts (e.g., personal vacations not communicated ahead of time)

Engagement & Homework:

Participants are expected to engage actively in discussions and activities.
Some sessions may require reading assignments or preparatory work.

Code of Conduct:

Participants must conduct themselves professionally and respectfully.
Violation of ethical standards may result in dismissal from the program.

Cliftonstrengths Assessment:

Participants complete the Cliftonstrengths assessment to identify leadership styles.
Results are used to guide leadership development discussions.

Community Involvement:

Participants are encouraged to engage in local projects and initiatives.
A capstone community project may be required.

Networking & Mentorship:

Participants will have opportunities to connect with past alumni and local leaders.
Mentorship opportunities may be available.

Selection & nomination process

Application Process:

Applications open in March and closes in April.
Selected participants are notified by May 1st

Nomination Process:

Community members may nominate potential participants.
Nominees must submit an application for consideration.

Selection Criteria:

Leadership potential
Commitment to community service
Ability to participate fully in the program

program oversight &
improvement

Board of Directors:

The RCL Board oversees program strategy, funding, and administration.
The board reviews and updates the program annually.

Participant Feedback:

Participants provide feedback after each session.
Annual program review considers participant input for continuous improvement.

Alumni Engagement:

Graduates are encouraged to stay involved in RCL activities.
Alumni may serve as speakers, mentors, or board members.
One Class Member from each class shall be selected to serve on the Board of Directors for one term.

graduation & Beyond

Graduation Requirements:

Completion of all program sessions.
Active participation in discussions and projects.
Fulfillment of any additional assignments or expectations.

Post-Program Engagement:

Graduates are encouraged to serve on local boards and committees.
Continued leadership development opportunities are provided.

Contact Information For more information contact: russellcountyleadership@gmail.com or RCL Chair, Kac'Rae McAlonan

Sponsorship & Financial
Support

Tuition & Fees:

Program tuition is $350 per participant.
Tuition includes meals, materials, and transportation for off-site visits.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Businesses and organizations can sponsor participants.
Sponsorship levels include Pioneer, Trailblazer, Innovator, Visionary

Funding & Sustainability:

RCL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Fundraising efforts support program growth and development.

Our SPONSORS

About the RCL program

Program objectives

Leadership Development

Strengthen leadership skills

Foster community awareness and involvement

Connect participants with key community leaders and organizations

Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills

Encourage long-term community engagement

Program structure

Annual Program Timeline:

Runs from August to May.

Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month.

Graduation/Announcement ceremony held in June.

Class Composition:

Each class consists of 6-10 participants.

Participants are selected based on leadership potential and community involvement.

Session Format:

Each session is a full-day event, including guest speakers, site visits, group discussions, and hands-on activities.

Topics covered include economic development, civic engagement, local government, business and industry, and leadership skills.

Participation Expectations

Attendance:

Participants must attend all sessions.

More than one excused absence may result in removal from the program.

Excused Absence - An absence is considered excused when it is due to a valid reason and proper notification is provided in advance (when possible). Valid reasons may include:

Personal or family medical emergencies

Illness (with timely communication)

Death in the family

Court appearances or legal obligations

Pre-approved professional commitments (e.g., work travel or conferences)

Other significant life events communicated and approved by program leadership

To qualify as excused, the participant must notify program leadership as early as possible, and in writing, with a brief explanation. Supporting documentation may be requested in certain cases.

Unexcused Absence - An absence is considered unexcused when:

No prior notice is given

The reason provided is not deemed valid by program leadership

The participant simply does not show up

The absence is due to avoidable scheduling conflicts (e.g., personal vacations not communicated ahead of time)

Engagement & Homework:

Participants are expected to engage actively in discussions and activities.

Some sessions may require reading assignments or preparatory work.

Code of Conduct:

Participants must conduct themselves professionally and respectfully.

Violation of ethical standards may result in dismissal from the program.

Cliftonstrengths Assessment:

Participants complete the Cliftonstrengths assessment to identify leadership styles.

Results are used to guide leadership development discussions.

Community Involvement:

Participants are encouraged to engage in local projects and initiatives.

A capstone community project may be required.

Networking & Mentorship:

Participants will have opportunities to connect with past alumni and local leaders.

Mentorship opportunities may be available.

Selection & nomination process

Application Process:

Applications open in March and closes in April.

Selected participants are notified by May 1st

Nomination Process:

Community members may nominate potential participants.

Nominees must submit an application for consideration.

Selection Criteria:

Leadership potential

Commitment to community service

Ability to participate fully in the program

program oversight & improvement

Board of Directors:

The RCL Board oversees program strategy, funding, and administration.

The board reviews and updates the program annually.

Participant Feedback:

Participants provide feedback after each session.

Annual program review considers participant input for continuous improvement.

Alumni Engagement:

Graduates are encouraged to stay involved in RCL activities.

Alumni may serve as speakers, mentors, or board members.

One Class Member from each class shall be selected to serve on the Board of Directors for one term.

graduation & Beyond

Graduation Requirements:

Completion of all program sessions.

Active participation in discussions and projects.

Fulfillment of any additional assignments or expectations.

Post-Program Engagement:

Graduates are encouraged to serve on local boards and committees.

program oversight &
improvement

Sponsorship & Financial
Support