We’ll explore how we can lead in ways that strengthen ourselves, grow others, and expand leadership across our communities.
Join us in Oacoma for our “Strengthening Leaders, Strengthening Communities” Thriverr Gathering. In this workshop, we will focus on how you can lead in ways that strengthen ourselves, grow others, and expand leadership across our communities.
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Recognize the diverse leadership potential within the community
- Identify barriers and enablers to local leadership development
- Co-create ideas and pathways to support emerging leaders
- Leave with new personal leadership skills and collective action commitments
Agenda
Day 1 – Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Welcome and Check-in
Understanding Your Leadership Style with Kristi Wagner
Participants will explore how personality styles and generational perspectives influence communication, relationships, and teamwork. Through the Colors personality assessment and discussion, this session is designed to build self-awareness and help individuals better understand how they engage, collaborate, and work effectively with people who may think, communicate, and approach situations differently.
Start with Leadership Self-Care with Whitney Nordvold
This interactive training with Whitney Nordvold of Rising Hope Counseling, LLC focuses on burnout prevention, boundary setting, and practical self-care strategies for community and nonprofit leaders. Through guided reflection and a hands-on self-care kit activity, participants will leave with tools they can immediately apply to sustain themselves in high-stress leadership roles.
Dinner & Social Time
Day 2 – Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Check-in
Diving Deep into Community Behavior with Iceberg Mapping with Joe Bartmann
Using the Iceberg Mapping framework, participants will explore the deeper patterns, beliefs, and systems that shape community behaviors and leadership opportunities. The session lead by Dakota Resources President Joe Bartmann encourages critical thinking about root causes and what communities may need to do differently to create lasting change.
Raising up the Next Generation of Leaders with John Pohlman
This workshop challenges participants to think creatively about how communities can cultivate the next generation of leaders. Through group brainstorming and collaborative activities, attendees will identify experiences, systems, and supports that help unlock leadership confidence and opportunity.
Panel on Youth and Emerging Leadership Development
Panelists include Laura Marshall of Yankton Thrive, Ashely Geigle of Murdo Economic Development, Rochan Burell of Wall Economic Development Corporation. Community leaders and organizations will share real-world examples of leadership development programs, youth engagement efforts, and leadership transition strategies. Participants will gain practical ideas and lessons learned from communities working to build stronger local leadership pipelines.
Building Confidence for Critical Conversations with Paula Jensen
This session uses the Empowerment Triangle framework and role play to help participants navigate challenging conversations and conflict more effectively. Leaders will practice communication strategies that strengthen relationships, accountability, and collaboration within their communities and organizations.
Location & Lodging
There is a block of rooms reserved at Cedar Shore Resort. Rooms are $139 + tax. Rooms within the block need to be reserved prior to June 27th to receive this discounted rate. Please contact the hotel at (605) 234-6376 and reference the Dakota Resources block to secure a room reservation. Cancellations made 72 hours or more prior to check-in will not incur a cancellation charge.
