Jack Lindquist, Executive Director of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program, shares the 33-year history and impact of this regional leadership initiative. The program builds collaborative relationships across Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, and Morris counties to foster regional problem-solving and create positive change.
• Created 33 years ago through partnership between Fort Riley, Kansas State University, and regional Chambers of Commerce
• Nearly 660 graduates have completed the program since the first class in 1993-94
• Participants develop regional networks and collaborative relationships across diverse communities
• Selection process targets emerging leaders already demonstrating leadership qualities
• Monthly sessions rotate through different communities covering topics like team building, conflict resolution, and advocacy
• Program runs September through February with graduation in Pottawatomie County this year
• Application deadline is July 20th with all materials submitted through frlp.org
• $600 tuition with scholarships available for nonprofit employees and small business owners
Applications for the upcoming class are now being accepted at frlp.org through July 20th.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Philanthropy Today is brought to you by the Greater
Manhattan Community Foundation.
In this episode we feature arecently broadcast segment of
the GMCF Community Hour as heardon NewsRadio KMAN.
And we are back on the GMCFCommunity Hour here on NewsRadio
KMAN.
And one of our nonprofits we'revisiting with today is the
(00:20):
Flint Hills Regional LeadershipProgram.
We have its executive directorjoining us via Zoom today.
Of our non-profits we'revisiting with today is the flint
hills regional leadershipprogram.
We have its executive directorjoining us via zoom today and
his name is jack lundquist.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Hello, jack, welcome back great to be with you today,
and it's an excellent day tohave some sunshine out here.
We're doing pretty well,moisture wise that's what I
heard.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
There's a lot of places that are doing pretty
well moisture wise, but theFlint Hills look phenomenal yeah
, that is true, and on my drivedown here through Texas got to
see a lot of green, which isreally nice now, okay, so let's
step back just one quick second.
You talked about the moistureand how things look great.
I really have not had too manyharvest reports.
(01:04):
What can you tell me about whatthe lindquist family and their
uh uh outreach across the flinthills has been like with wheat
harvest?
Speaker 2 (01:13):
well, the flint hills and beyond, especially through
the south central part of thestate, where wheat harvest
should be in full bloom isdelayed because of too much rain
, and so we have to get somesunshine out here, some heat
days to get that dried up.
So we actually need some dryingoff right now.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
All right.
Well, let's hope that we can dothat, and everybody.
We always want to remind folksto be safe and courteous on the
roadways when they approach somesort of farm-related vehicle.
Well, let's get back here andtalk about why you are here
today, and that's the FlintHills Regional Leadership
Program, and this is a venturethat has had quite a history,
(01:57):
and boy, you've got a lot ofhighlights to share with us.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
You bet it was created 33 years ago and it was
a partnership.
You bet it was created 33 yearsago and it was a partnership.
The original planning team wasa partnership between Fort Riley
, kansas State University andthe Chambers of Commerce and
Cities in Gary, riley andPottawatomie counties.
And they realized at that timethat they were better with one
(02:24):
voice than several and better topromote as a single body rather
than multiple entities, and sothis collaboration team was put
together.
They thought, rather than justhaving an advocacy team, we need
to have a training team as well.
So they created the leadershipprogram at that time and the
first class was the 93-94 class.
(02:45):
So technically we are 31 yearsinto that.
33 years ago it was formed.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
And you've had a lot of people that have gained so
much insight into our region.
You know, and I think one ofthe great blessings about this
organization is therelationships that you build,
and those relationships are thespringboard for people to get
involved and to help basicallybring about change and assist
(03:15):
others Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Over the years we've had over almost 660 graduates
from this region and that regionhas also expanded recently 160
graduates from this region, andthe region has also expanded
recently.
But the most common benefitgain from the participants is
proclaimed to be the ability todevelop a regional network and
collaborative relationshipswhere they can get together with
different, diverse communitiesand come up with some common
(03:39):
solutions to solve problems andto come up with the vision for
the future, and so it fosters adeeper understanding of the
regional interdependence andenhancing their ability to drive
positive change, and that's oneof the reasons why we've also
expanded is to get a more openview of the rural part of our
region as well.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
I think one of the interesting aspects is the
qualification process that youhave to go through in order to
determine who your candidatesare to become part of the Flint
Hills Regional LeadershipProgram.
So can you give us a littlepicture of what that process is
like?
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Sure, the individuals we help are emerging leaders in
the region.
They've already been involvedin some leadership roles and
they need to be able to express,through their experiences and
their willingness to be involvedas servant leaders, to get more
engaged in the future, and sowe concentrate on people that
(04:40):
either live or work in GaryMorris, pottawatomie, riley and
Wabunsa County, fort Riley.
And since they can live or workin, we do have participants
that have been from Clay County,dickinson County.
They commute to work andobviously they are contributing
(05:00):
to our regional lives andlivelihoods, so they're able to
be part of the program as well,and so they need to go through
an application process.
It is competitive and we make aselection based on what's best
for this region and what makesthe best mix.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
How many candidates actually quote, unquote, make
the cut.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Well, let's just say that it's very disappointing to
a lot of people to not make itinto a class, but we've gone
through different sizes of thegroup.
During COVID we backed it downto right, sizing it at 20 so
that we could do better spacingand could do better
transportation.
No-transcript.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
And with that determination, once you
determine who those candidatesare that are going to be within
the program, there's a lot ofactivities that they get to
participate in.
You do a lot of monthly things.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
That's right.
Starting in September.
It starts pretty quickly afterthey're announced to the public
in late August and two weekslater they're heavily engrossed
in team building activities atRock Springs.
And then, every three weeksafter that, they're in each of
our host communities and they'regoing through the experiences,
(06:26):
including team building,conflict resolution, decision
making, competence building andeffective communication skills,
with issues that apply directlyto those locations, so they have
a greater understanding of theentire region and can speak on
behalf of and be advocates forany entity within the region and
(06:48):
rely on one another forexpertise.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
So what's our first event associated with the class
once it's announced who themembers are?
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Well, it's really fun right now, as the applications
are coming in, to see this classtaking shape, because we know
as they come in, that they'requalified.
They'd be great selections.
How do they fit into the mix ofcandidates representing
different forms of government,the emts, the police departments
(07:22):
, individuals that are involvedin the businesses, the
non-profit organizations, howthey're all going to meld
together to make this groupthat's going to be engaged in a
session at Junction City oncommunity collaboration in
Wamego, talking about advocacyin Waubonsie County, being
(07:44):
involved in visioning at KansasState University.
When we get into servantleadership activities, fort
Riley Entrepreneurship is inManhattan and Riley County and
political literacy is in Topeka.
So they're getting a wealth ofknowledge and information very
quickly and it's wrapped up bythe first week of February.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
And let's talk a bit about that application process.
I know in the past that you'vehad some paperwork that
everybody has to fill out, butalso you added a video component
.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Well, the beauty of technology now is that it's 100%
online.
Now they can go on to ourwebsite, frlporg, and check the
dates of the sessions, lockthose into their calendars
before they even apply, Then gothrough the application process
in the apply menu section,upload a portrait image of
(08:44):
themselves for an in-classdirectory and then upload a
prerecorded one to three minuteintroduction of themselves and
how they're going to benefitfrom the experience and how they
hope to bring benefit to theothers in the class.
Once all of that is uploadedand we have a chance for the
board to go through and screenthat group, they'll make the
(09:08):
selections of the class members,We'll notify them within the
next week and then three weekslater we have a public
announcement of who the classmembers are.
They start training immediatelybecause we send them the
information and the studymaterials just as quick as
they're named.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
And one of the things that I think is important to
share with our listeners is thatyou know if you are applying
for this, it's expected thatyou're able to attend all of
these various seminars that youhave.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
Yes, absolutely, and we've had situations where an
individual, because of a workrequirement, has unexpectedly
had to miss a session.
They are distraught when thathappens because they miss out on
the opportunity to interactwith one another.
We don't collect and save theinformation and send it out with
(10:01):
them, because the interactionis the most critical part of the
program and so they are.
They feel extremely bad aboutmissing it and it's just very
important to have that sessioninteraction each time with their
classmates, and so we don'thave much of a problem with
absenteeism.
The individuals that do missregret it, and the ones that are
(10:27):
there the whole times, theyform a bond that is lifelong.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
So what's our deadline for people to get their
application done?
Speaker 2 (10:36):
The end of the application period is July 20th,
so by the time we get to theend of the day on the 20th, we
close the books, close theapplication link on the website
and those that didn't make it intime have to wait for another
opportunity in the future.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
And graduation is.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Graduation is going to be the first week of February
and that's a big celebration.
It is, and this year the hostcounty is Pottawatomie County.
We're going to be having theclass announcement as well as
the class graduation at theColumbian Theater.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
That's a pretty good place to have something like
that.
It rotates, each each classeach year is in a different
location, so our hosts reallyput on a great experience for
the participants through thetraining activities as well as
at the graduation events, and wehad some just incredible events
when we do those, and fantasticspeakers.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
One of the things also that I think we probably
ought to ask is about thefinancial aspect, and there is a
fee that goes along with thatapplication, but in the past and
I hope that this is still thecase that you have a scholarship
, and I believe that was namedafter a previous executive
director.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Eileen Cray was the director prior to me, and we set
up an account for alumni to paywhat we call annual dues, but
technically it's a donation andthe alumni contribute to a fund,
and those funds are used toexpend back out to individuals
that are working for non-profitsthat don't have the funding
(12:17):
available for continuingeducation or professional
improvement or, um, the theymight be for a small business
owner that just lacks the funds.
It's's a tuition fee of $600generally, and so if we can get
a scholarship at up to 50%, thathelps a great deal, and the
(12:38):
participant still has some skinin the game at a 50% rate, but
it helps tremendously to be ableto have 50% of that covered.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
No kidding.
Well, when we have so manypeople that are working in the
nonprofit world, as many of ourGMCF friends and extended family
do, all that is certainly veryhelpful.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
Anything else you'd like to add, jack, the one thing
that I think that we need toemphasize is that, because of
the broad mix of participationthat we have, it's important to
understand it takes that kind ofa mix to run our communities,
and so if people come in with anopen mind and are willing to
(13:20):
learn and grow, those are thepeople that we're looking for.
They want to be part of theteam and they're going to be
helping one another for the restof their lives.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
All right.
The website again is frlporg.
That stands for Flint HillsRegional Leadership Program.
The guest here speaking todayis Jack Lindquist.
He's the executive director ofthe program and, jack, it's
always a pleasure to have you onthe GMCF Radio Hour.
Well, thank you very much.
(13:51):
Appreciate the invitation.
Next we'll be visiting withVicki James, who's the
coordinator for the Food andFarm Council of Riley County and
the City of Manhattan.
She'll be joining us hereshortly.
And just a reminder if you everwant to find out more about
what's happening at the GreaterManhattan Community Foundation,
we've got a website for that andthat is mcfksorg.
(14:14):
Got all kinds of details andopportunities for you to learn
different things about whatwe're doing and maybe get
involved in some of thenon-profits that are associated
with the foundation.
We'll be back with Vicki Jamesin just a moment here on News
Radio KMAN.
Philanthropy Today is brought to you by the Greater
Manhattan Community Foundation.
In this episode we feature arecently broadcast segment of
the GMCF Community Hour as heardon NewsRadio KMAN.
And we are back on the GMCFCommunity Hour here on NewsRadio
KMAN.
And one of our nonprofits we'revisiting with today is the
(00:20):
Flint Hills Regional LeadershipProgram.
We have its executive directorjoining us via Zoom today.
Of our non-profits we'revisiting with today is the flint
hills regional leadershipprogram.
We have its executive directorjoining us via zoom today and
his name is jack lundquist.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Hello, jack, welcome back great to be with you today,
and it's an excellent day tohave some sunshine out here.
We're doing pretty well,moisture wise that's what I
heard.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
There's a lot of places that are doing pretty
well moisture wise, but theFlint Hills look phenomenal yeah
, that is true, and on my drivedown here through Texas got to
see a lot of green, which isreally nice now, okay, so let's
step back just one quick second.
You talked about the moistureand how things look great.
I really have not had too manyharvest reports.
(01:04):
What can you tell me about whatthe lindquist family and their
uh uh outreach across the flinthills has been like with wheat
harvest?
Speaker 2 (01:13):
well, the flint hills and beyond, especially through
the south central part of thestate, where wheat harvest
should be in full bloom isdelayed because of too much rain
, and so we have to get somesunshine out here, some heat
days to get that dried up.
So we actually need some dryingoff right now.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
All right.
Well, let's hope that we can dothat, and everybody.
We always want to remind folksto be safe and courteous on the
roadways when they approach somesort of farm-related vehicle.
Well, let's get back here andtalk about why you are here
today, and that's the FlintHills Regional Leadership
Program, and this is a venturethat has had quite a history,
(01:57):
and boy, you've got a lot ofhighlights to share with us.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
You bet it was created 33 years ago and it was
a partnership.
You bet it was created 33 yearsago and it was a partnership.
The original planning team wasa partnership between Fort Riley
, kansas State University andthe Chambers of Commerce and
Cities in Gary, riley andPottawatomie counties.
And they realized at that timethat they were better with one
(02:24):
voice than several and better topromote as a single body rather
than multiple entities, and sothis collaboration team was put
together.
They thought, rather than justhaving an advocacy team, we need
to have a training team as well.
So they created the leadershipprogram at that time and the
first class was the 93-94 class.
(02:45):
So technically we are 31 yearsinto that.
33 years ago it was formed.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
And you've had a lot of people that have gained so
much insight into our region.
You know, and I think one ofthe great blessings about this
organization is therelationships that you build,
and those relationships are thespringboard for people to get
involved and to help basicallybring about change and assist
(03:15):
others Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Over the years we've had over almost 660 graduates
from this region and that regionhas also expanded recently 160
graduates from this region, andthe region has also expanded
recently.
But the most common benefitgain from the participants is
proclaimed to be the ability todevelop a regional network and
collaborative relationshipswhere they can get together with
different, diverse communitiesand come up with some common
(03:39):
solutions to solve problems andto come up with the vision for
the future, and so it fosters adeeper understanding of the
regional interdependence andenhancing their ability to drive
positive change, and that's oneof the reasons why we've also
expanded is to get a more openview of the rural part of our
region as well.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
I think one of the interesting aspects is the
qualification process that youhave to go through in order to
determine who your candidatesare to become part of the Flint
Hills Regional LeadershipProgram.
So can you give us a littlepicture of what that process is
like?
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Sure, the individuals we help are emerging leaders in
the region.
They've already been involvedin some leadership roles and
they need to be able to express,through their experiences and
their willingness to be involvedas servant leaders, to get more
engaged in the future, and sowe concentrate on people that
(04:40):
either live or work in GaryMorris, pottawatomie, riley and
Wabunsa County, fort Riley.
And since they can live or workin, we do have participants
that have been from Clay County,dickinson County.
They commute to work andobviously they are contributing
(05:00):
to our regional lives andlivelihoods, so they're able to
be part of the program as well,and so they need to go through
an application process.
It is competitive and we make aselection based on what's best
for this region and what makesthe best mix.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
How many candidates actually quote, unquote, make
the cut.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Well, let's just say that it's very disappointing to
a lot of people to not make itinto a class, but we've gone
through different sizes of thegroup.
During COVID we backed it downto right, sizing it at 20 so
that we could do better spacingand could do better
transportation.
No-transcript.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
And with that determination, once you
determine who those candidatesare that are going to be within
the program, there's a lot ofactivities that they get to
participate in.
You do a lot of monthly things.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
That's right.
Starting in September.
It starts pretty quickly afterthey're announced to the public
in late August and two weekslater they're heavily engrossed
in team building activities atRock Springs.
And then, every three weeksafter that, they're in each of
our host communities and they'regoing through the experiences,
(06:26):
including team building,conflict resolution, decision
making, competence building andeffective communication skills,
with issues that apply directlyto those locations, so they have
a greater understanding of theentire region and can speak on
behalf of and be advocates forany entity within the region and
(06:48):
rely on one another forexpertise.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
So what's our first event associated with the class
once it's announced who themembers are?
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Well, it's really fun right now, as the applications
are coming in, to see this classtaking shape, because we know
as they come in, that they'requalified.
They'd be great selections.
How do they fit into the mix ofcandidates representing
different forms of government,the emts, the police departments
(07:22):
, individuals that are involvedin the businesses, the
non-profit organizations, howthey're all going to meld
together to make this groupthat's going to be engaged in a
session at Junction City oncommunity collaboration in
Wamego, talking about advocacyin Waubonsie County, being
(07:44):
involved in visioning at KansasState University.
When we get into servantleadership activities, fort
Riley Entrepreneurship is inManhattan and Riley County and
political literacy is in Topeka.
So they're getting a wealth ofknowledge and information very
quickly and it's wrapped up bythe first week of February.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
And let's talk a bit about that application process.
I know in the past that you'vehad some paperwork that
everybody has to fill out, butalso you added a video component
.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Well, the beauty of technology now is that it's 100%
online.
Now they can go on to ourwebsite, frlporg, and check the
dates of the sessions, lockthose into their calendars
before they even apply, Then gothrough the application process
in the apply menu section,upload a portrait image of
(08:44):
themselves for an in-classdirectory and then upload a
prerecorded one to three minuteintroduction of themselves and
how they're going to benefitfrom the experience and how they
hope to bring benefit to theothers in the class.
Once all of that is uploadedand we have a chance for the
board to go through and screenthat group, they'll make the
(09:08):
selections of the class members,We'll notify them within the
next week and then three weekslater we have a public
announcement of who the classmembers are.
They start training immediatelybecause we send them the
information and the studymaterials just as quick as
they're named.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
And one of the things that I think is important to
share with our listeners is thatyou know if you are applying
for this, it's expected thatyou're able to attend all of
these various seminars that youhave.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
Yes, absolutely, and we've had situations where an
individual, because of a workrequirement, has unexpectedly
had to miss a session.
They are distraught when thathappens because they miss out on
the opportunity to interactwith one another.
We don't collect and save theinformation and send it out with
(10:01):
them, because the interactionis the most critical part of the
program and so they are.
They feel extremely bad aboutmissing it and it's just very
important to have that sessioninteraction each time with their
classmates, and so we don'thave much of a problem with
absenteeism.
The individuals that do missregret it, and the ones that are
(10:27):
there the whole times, theyform a bond that is lifelong.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
So what's our deadline for people to get their
application done?
Speaker 2 (10:36):
The end of the application period is July 20th,
so by the time we get to theend of the day on the 20th, we
close the books, close theapplication link on the website
and those that didn't make it intime have to wait for another
opportunity in the future.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
And graduation is.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Graduation is going to be the first week of February
and that's a big celebration.
It is, and this year the hostcounty is Pottawatomie County.
We're going to be having theclass announcement as well as
the class graduation at theColumbian Theater.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
That's a pretty good place to have something like
that.
It rotates, each each classeach year is in a different
location, so our hosts reallyput on a great experience for
the participants through thetraining activities as well as
at the graduation events, and wehad some just incredible events
when we do those, and fantasticspeakers.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
One of the things also that I think we probably
ought to ask is about thefinancial aspect, and there is a
fee that goes along with thatapplication, but in the past and
I hope that this is still thecase that you have a scholarship
, and I believe that was namedafter a previous executive
director.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Eileen Cray was the director prior to me, and we set
up an account for alumni to paywhat we call annual dues, but
technically it's a donation andthe alumni contribute to a fund,
and those funds are used toexpend back out to individuals
that are working for non-profitsthat don't have the funding
(12:17):
available for continuingeducation or professional
improvement or, um, the theymight be for a small business
owner that just lacks the funds.
It's's a tuition fee of $600generally, and so if we can get
a scholarship at up to 50%, thathelps a great deal, and the
(12:38):
participant still has some skinin the game at a 50% rate, but
it helps tremendously to be ableto have 50% of that covered.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
No kidding.
Well, when we have so manypeople that are working in the
nonprofit world, as many of ourGMCF friends and extended family
do, all that is certainly veryhelpful.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
Anything else you'd like to add, jack, the one thing
that I think that we need toemphasize is that, because of
the broad mix of participationthat we have, it's important to
understand it takes that kind ofa mix to run our communities,
and so if people come in with anopen mind and are willing to
(13:20):
learn and grow, those are thepeople that we're looking for.
They want to be part of theteam and they're going to be
helping one another for the restof their lives.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
All right.
The website again is frlporg.
That stands for Flint HillsRegional Leadership Program.
The guest here speaking todayis Jack Lindquist.
He's the executive director ofthe program and, jack, it's
always a pleasure to have you onthe GMCF Radio Hour.
Well, thank you very much.
(13:51):
Appreciate the invitation.
Next we'll be visiting withVicki James, who's the
coordinator for the Food andFarm Council of Riley County and
the City of Manhattan.
She'll be joining us hereshortly.
And just a reminder if you everwant to find out more about
what's happening at the GreaterManhattan Community Foundation,
we've got a website for that andthat is mcfksorg.
(14:14):
Got all kinds of details andopportunities for you to learn
different things about whatwe're doing and maybe get
involved in some of thenon-profits that are associated
with the foundation.
We'll be back with Vicki Jamesin just a moment here on News
Radio KMAN.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.