Main Spotlight: How Rural Oklahoma Main Streets Have Weathered Change
Learns how rural places across Oklahoma have survived through booms and busts, and how they are leveraging the Main Street Approach to build sustainable and vibrant futures.
Kent, Ohio. Photo by EmiLee Hartman
Thriving Main Streets are built upon a strong foundation — and every foundation needs regular tune-ups to meet the ever-evolving needs of your program and community. The start of a new year is the perfect time to strengthen your understanding and practical knowledge of Organization principles, board management, and lasting leadership. The Academy is here to help! This month, we invite you to focus on your foundation with this curated suite of learning opportunities and resources.
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Focus on the Four Points: Organization
On-demand, anytime
Through six free self-guided courses, learn how you can strengthen your Main Street program by focusing on people, funding, and partnerships. Whether you’re a seasoned executive director or just getting started, this learning experience is designed to help you build momentum and leverage the power of collaboration. Dive into Organization >
Strong Boards for Sustainable Leadership – Last Chance to Register!
January 14, 21, and 28, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. CT
Tune in for this live, instructor-led course all about effective governance, shared leadership, and clear accountability systems. From fostering board leadership to utilizing organizational systems, this course will equip you with the tools, templates, and strategies needed to help your Main Street program operate with confidence and clarity in 2026 and beyond. Registration closes on January 12. Save your seat >
Coming Soon
Build and Maintain Board Relationships Course
In this first Growing course of our Local Main Street Leader learning journey, embark on a hands-on approach to understanding the principles of board management and develop your own toolkit for ensuring effective leadership through clarity, communication, continuity, and reflection. Stay tuned for more about this deep dive debuting soon!
In the meantime, check out these related courses:
- Managing Professional Relationships
- Effective Communication Strategies for Main Street Leaders
- Strategies for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
- Foundations of Sustainable Leadership
- Empowering Leadership & Shaping Organizational Culture
Board Member Handbook
A refreshed Main Street Board Member Handbook is in the works! Designed to provide future-proof support for board members and leaders, this revised and renewed resource is a three-in-one publication — reference guide, training tool, and action-ready toolkit. Keep an eye out for the official release.
Related News and Stories
Expiring Soon: Lowest Rates for Main Street Now 2026
February 3 is your last chance to save big on registration for the 2026 Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 13-15, with Early Bird rates. This is your last chance to pre-order your conference T-shirt, and your best chance at getting Big Bash or mobile workshop tickets before they sell out, too. There's so much to experience, learn, and explore at the Main Street movement's biggest gathering of the year: act now to save big!
Photo by BeauMonde Originals
Find the Perfect Mobile Workshop for Your Main Street Now 2026 Experience
From informative tours to immersive learning experiences, mobile workshops offer an unparalleled glimpse into Main Street efforts happening in and around Tulsa, Oklahoma. Check out our round-up of recommendations designed to help you complete your itinerary with the perfect mobile workshop.
Courtesy of Tulsa Tours