About ACS

View a video demo of the Excellence in Leadership program

The Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan was established in 1992 as a coalition of Saskatchewan organizations with a like-minded interest in rural communities and in rural community development. The vision of ACS is to support Saskatchewan communities as they collaborate to develop a rich social environment, optimal economic opportunities and quality of life. In order to work towards this vision, ACS operates as a catalyst for community co-operation, empowerment and development.

Excellence in Leadership

Rural communities are full of talented, dedicated people, interested in contributing to the success and vitality of their communities. However, the distance and time often make it difficult to provide these people with the training and resources they deserve.

Several years ago, a group of individuals, guided and supported by ACS , began to search for a way to support community leaders. ACS sponsored focus groups that were held in ten communities throughout Saskatchewan. A broad representation of rural leaders, including people representing youth, business, service clubs, schools, churches and public life were asked what the community issues were and how leaders could address these issues. They were asked to identity the necessary leadership skills and to give some guidance as to how those skills could be learned and enhanced through community-based leadership training.

Leadership Saskatchewan was the program that resulted from that research. The leadership issues and training approaches used within the program reflect the needs identified by rural community leaders.

Leadership Saskatchewan was a resounding success, creating and empowering community leaders throughout the province. This success has enabled the program to move to the next level. Excellence in Leadership is that next level.