1. The participant must have an acute awareness of critical
Arkansas issues obtained through community development
activities, agricultural production or related occupations,
and/or have significant involvement in rural development.
2. The candidate must be 25 years of age or older by the date
of the first seminar of the class for which they are applying.
The first seminar is usually in early February of odd numbered
years.
3. Participants should have demonstrated leadership qualities
and potential as evidenced by community and organizational
activities reflected in the application.
4. If the applicant is not self-employed, in view of the time
that will be spent away from the job during the program, the
applicant must have the approval of his/her employer in writing.
(Note: An "Employer Commitment" form will be provided for this
purpose.)
5. Self-employed applicants should make a serious effort to
assess the impact of absence from his/her business for the
necessary amount of time.
6. The applicant’s character, reputation and personal life,
as evidenced by references or other inquiry, must be of high
quality, reflecting excellent leadership potential to represent
Arkansas.
7. A pre-application form is to be completed by the applicant
for each class. Following an initial screening, candidates will
be provided with a formal application and complete instructions.
8. The spouse or significant other statements made on the
applicant’s behalf should give evidence of genuine interest and
willingness to support the candidate’s time commitment and
personal growth during the two-year program and in future
leadership endeavors. (Note: A "Supporting Application by
Spouse" form will be provided for this purpose.)
9. Evaluation of the candidate’s reasons for wanting to
participate in the program and their comments on problems facing
Arkansas should show careful, logical thought and sincerity.
10. Each candidate will be evaluated in terms of their
leadership potential and ability to contribute to Arkansas after
their participation in the program.
11. Candidates will be evaluated for evidence that their
concerns range beyond self-interest and narrow perspectives.
12. Each candidate will be considered in terms of their
ability to participate meaningfully in the seminars and tours,
outside reading and interviews, written assignments and
establishment/completion of community goal(s) before graduation.
The applicant’s communicative skills will be evaluated from the
essay portion of the application and from contact through
personal and telephone interviews of the candidate.
13. The candidate must secure both personal and business
recommendations from community leaders that indicate their
potential for leadership and community service. (Note: A "LeadAR
Recommendation" form will be provided for this purpose.)
14. Other policies:
a. It is the goal of the selection committee that each
class be representative of Arkansas politically,
geographically, ethnically, socially and by occupation. The
selection process will strive to ensure this diversity.
b. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrated leadership or
potential leadership abilities.
c. Spouses or brothers/sisters may not be selected in the
same class.
d. Spouses may not be selected for the next successive
class.
