NCCLI? That's the Nevada County Community Leadership Institute. What it is, really, is an "inside peek" at the workings of county government, police and fire, elected officials, court personnel including the DA and Public Defender (who is in this class, BTW.) Also appointed officials, the Arts Community, non-profits and more.
I must say this class has been wonderful. It's steep at $750, but if you're working your employer pays it. There are a handful of people in my class who paid themselves -- in my case, KNCO footed the bill and I'm thankful for that.
One of the big benefits is meeting people like the county's CEO (nice, smart guy!) and elected and appointed leaders in the community. I already knew most of those folks from my news-gathering days, but I certainly learned a ton I didn't know and meeting the other participants in the class was actually the biggest benefit. Now, I can call Grass Valley's librarian, or the head of Nevada County's One Stop Shop for Employment, and we have a personal connection. I hope I never have to avail myself of the Public Defender, but I know him, too, and he's a hoot! I especially have enjoyed the retired and professional volunteers in the class -- someone who gives their time without pay is a No. 1 class act in my book! (You folks know who you are.)
If this has peaked your interest, contact Mary Ann Mueller at the GV Chamber of Commerce or Julie Jordan at the GV Downtown Association.
Russ,
Well...here is a flaw in the program. I didn't even know NCCLI had a Web site! So, once again, communication seems to be a problem. I will look into the Web site and I plan to join the NCCLI Alumni Assn. I will try to get answers to your questions and post in the future. Any NCCLI alums want to weigh in?
Posted by: Dixie Redfearn | July 02, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Dixie,
I was serious. If the community benefited from great programs that are the result of the NCCLI Alums taking action, then the community should know about them. Why is the NCCLI keeping them under a hat? Several years ago I met with some members of the Alums and suggested that the Alums could become a powerful force for change in the community and I still think they can be.
Yes, individual have always shined, they are emerging leaders. I would like to know what the NCCLI Alums have done as a group. What have they done as a group to promote the NCCLI? They have a 13 year history, but hardly anyone knows about it. They have a web site but it has gone fallow.
The latest entry on the NCCLI Home Page was Submitted by sysop on Tue, 2006-04-11 15:49. The only class pictures are from 2000 and 2003. The latest entry I could find on the site was Submitted by sysop on Mon, 2007-03-26 18:23. It is june 2009. If some one google NCCLI, they would not find much history. I find that rather sad as the NCCLI has a rich history, it just has not be posted in a public place for all of us to appreciate.
Posted by: Russ Steele | July 01, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Once again Russ your comments are sarcastic, condensing and uninformed. Too bad that didn’t stop you from your insulting, disrespectful posts about NCCLI and our Alum’s. You might want to check a list of the Alums and see who we are and what we do, look in places like the DA’s office, the County Administrator’s Office, current and former elected representatives, nonprofit boards, KNCO , etc., etc., etc. Please do some research before you bash us all again.
Posted by: Steve Enos | June 30, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Russ,
I have to jump into this discussion! I would be careful about saying things like "useless tools" unless you know what prior classes have done. For instance, the county's Suicide Task Force came out of NCCLI. So did the "Shop Local" campaign. I would venture a guess that many programs and executed ideas have come out of 13 years of NCCLI. In fact, Pam Division, who was in my class, created the Culinary Institute at The old Stonehouse for at-risk kids. She runs the One-Stop Employment Center on Maltman and is a county employee. You don't want to start sounding like an angry, disgruntled blogger we both know, do you? You're wiser than that!
Posted by: Dixie Redfearn | June 30, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Steve,
Fill me in, lets get together and discuss some of the projects. I would really like to high light some of their great projects and successes. I may have to eat my word, it has been a few years since discussed the Alums and their potential. Let's get these stealthy project some well deserved recognition. I can write them up on my blog. If there are some NCCLI Alums reading this let me know how I can publish your successes in community development. Post comment here and I will contact you.
Posted by: Russ Steele | June 29, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Russ, your words are in your two last posts for all to read. I didn’t put any words in your mouth, just repeated yours.
It's not about if I like you are not and for the record I don't dislike you. What I don't like is your demeaning, sarcastic posts that disparage a lot of good, dedicated people.
According to you:
NCCLI Alum's "have not stepped up to take on community issues" (Do you really know what NCCLI Alums have been doing?).
"NCCLI is not standing up to the challenge of effective community leadership. I was expecting more" (Russ, sorry we have not lived up to your expectations).
"best tool in tool box unused is a useless tool" (sorry you think we are useless tools).
"NCCLI Alums have the potential to be a must useful tool" (glad you think we at least have "potential").
You say NCCLI Alum's "lack a charismatic leader with a vision". (Russ it's a consensus based approach, a group effort, we share a vision built together in the NCCLI classes).
Russ, your posts are here for NCCLI Alum's, project coordinators and the public to read. Your comments are uncalled for, sarcastic and demeaning.
Posted by: Steve Enos | June 28, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Steve, you are putting words in my mouth. No where did I say a "bunch of dull, unused tools." The phrase I used was the "best tool" in the tool box. It is evident you really do not like me as person, that fine with me, but at least be honest.
I hope that someday soon, I will find time to attend NCCLI. I am hoping that George Rebane can join me. Should make and interesting class a couple of systems guys, who are bloggers, coming to grips with the governing process. Could be fun! We could all learn something!
Posted by: Russ Steele | June 27, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Russ, I'm a NCCLI and SBC Community Leadership grad. I have invested the time and energy to do both. NCCLI Alum are involved in many areas of our community, working for our community.
Maybe you can find the time to enroll in NCCLI and after you graduate you can help NCCLI and the Alum sharpen their tools.
Sad that you say we are a bunch of dull, unused tools. If that's not slamming and disrespectful, nothing is. It is this type of divisive, disrespectful talk that works to divide our community.
You owe NCCLI and the Alum that have taken the time and made the commitment to undertake the program a very big apology.
Posted by: Steve Enos | June 27, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Steve, I was not slamming NCCLI, I think it is great community tool. However, the best tool in tool box unused is a useless tool.
The NCCLI Alums have the potential to be a must useful tool for change in the community, but they seem to lack a charismatic leader with a vision. Perhaps you would like to step up to the challenge?
I was on the committee that helped create the NCCLI. I created the first NCCLI Website to promote the NCCLI. I helped Larry Burkhardt develop the ERC's presentation for two of the NCCLI classes. I monitored several of the NCCLI session. I had a choice to attend the NCCLI or the Sierra Business Council's Leadership Training Course. The SEC Leadership training I think does a better job of reaching leadership skills than NCCLI, where as the NCCLI is more effective in introducing participants to the governing process. But, that is only my opinion!
I have recommend many new comers to the community sign up and take the NCCLI classes. It is an excellent way of becoming involved in the community and learn about the organizations that make it tick. I am glad to hear you are a graduate.
Posted by: Russ Steele | June 27, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Russ... you slam NCCLI and grads for "not standing up to the challenge of effective community leadership"?
Russ... you have not made the effort to attend NCCLI? Well no you have not. That says a lot about you Russ. You complain and point fingers at those that have done, while you on the other hand haven't stepped up to attend NCCLI yourself.
Sad, very, very sad. Sorry we all let you down Russ, sorry your expectations of all of us have not been fulfilled to your standards.
Russ, please consider attending NCCLI before you slam NCCLI and those that have put forth the effort.
Posted by: Steve Enos | June 27, 2009 at 11:18 AM
My disappointment with the NCCLI is that the Alums have not stepped up to take on community issues. We have had multiple NCCLI classes of smart people who regardless of political affiliation have learned to discuss issues and develop a level of trust not experienced in many public forums. I have not attended the NCCLI classes, but as an observer and presenter. I thought the alums, if they formed an organization, could be come a powerful force in the community by working on broad ranging problems that required full commitment by the total community. I think the NCCLI is not standing up to the challenge of effective community leadership. I was expecting more.
Posted by: Russ Steele | June 26, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Interesting piece on NCCLI,Dixie. A similar experience is available to members of the Nevada County Civil Grand Jury. While not so comprehensive as NCCLI, it involves meeting and interviewing elected members of government agencies as well as staff. It is truly an enlightening and personally rewarding experience which has the added value of making a significant contribution to the community. The 2009-2010 Jury has already been sworn in and will begin its' duties on July 1. Jury selection will begin next April for the 2010-2011 Jury. Why not put that date on your calendar and mention it in your blog next spring?
By the way, not only does Jury service not cost $750 but also it pays a stipend for meetings and mileage!
Posted by: Marc Matthias | June 26, 2009 at 11:42 AM
NCCLI is a great experience on so many levels. A lot of wonderful people put out a lot of time and effort to put these sessions on.
I attended NCCLI a few years ago and met a number of interesting folks, representing a wide spectrum of our community. Plus you learn much about our community and our county and you get an inside tour of the County Jail without needing to post bail to get out!
One thing all NCCLI students learn is that regardless of political party, age, race, employment, income, etc. we are all members of this great community and we all "put our pants on" on leg at a time.
NCCLI is a valuable experience where you will learn much, share much and develop rewarding relationships and new friendships that will benefit you, other NCCLI students and our community for years to come.
Con-grad's Dixie and all fellow NCCLI students in the class of 2009. Thank you all for your efforts in making Nevada County and our community a better place for all.
Posted by: Steve Enos | June 26, 2009 at 09:12 AM