Peer Learning Circle for Nonprofit Leaders

Posted by La Salle Nonprofit Center on May 1, 2017

Nonprofit EDs – Think back to a time when you didn’t feel pressured, or stressed, or responsible, or overworked, or maybe even overwhelmed.

What steps have you taken to cope with any of these demands that only an executive director experiences?

Where do you even start this process?

In a Peer Learning Circle for Nonprofit Leaders from The Nonprofit Center

What are Peer Learning Circles for Nonprofit Leaders?
Groups of 7 or 8 nonprofit peers who meet monthly for eight months for the shared experience of brainstorming, problem-solving, professional development and support on issues that are common to nonprofit leaders regardless of their organization. These groups offer:

• A personal think tank comprised of peers who are experiencing similar challenges and demands
• A confidential environment in which to share, vent and brainstorm
• A professional facilitator who keeps discussions on track

Who benefits?
Executive directors are in a unique position – straddling that challenging space between staff and board. The incessant demands on executive directors require supports designed specifically for them. What kind of organization would benefit from a leader who has the benefit of a personal think tank, the opportunity to decompress, to benefit from the experience and expertise of others? If you said, everyone connected with your organization, Peer Leadership Circles are for you. If you don’t see that connection, you might want to look into a different kind of program.

How do they work?
The Nonprofit Center has been facilitating peer learning circles for a dozen years, pioneering a new approach to leadership growth and development for both executive directors, board members and aspiring nonprofit leaders. These learning circles (originally called “CLEAR Circles” for Cultivating Leadership Excellence and Responsibility), create an ongoing peer group to freely discuss issues that other nonprofit executive directors (or emerging leaders) best understand. They are for professionals who want to participate in a personal brain trust where they can jointly problem-solve among peers who are equally committed to increasing their leadership capacity, following the edict that we achieve more in groups than we do as individuals.

How much time does it take?
We are now forming a circle to begin in June that will meet virtually for 90 minutes each month for eight months, with the exception of the first session which is face-to-face. Experience has shown us that you get the same positive results by participating virtually, without the added stress of leaving the office to meet in person.

How can I find out if this is for me?
Read about Peer Learning Circles on our website >
http://www.lasallenonprofitcenter.org/what-we-do/leadership-advancement/peer-leadership-learning-circle/

In a Guidestar report>
https://trust.guidestar.org/clear-circles-supporting-nonprofit-leaders-in-a-new-way?articleId=1040

On the application for the circle beginning this June >
http://www.lasallenonprofitcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fillable-form-Virtual-2017-1-4.pdf

Registration Deadline: May 22, 2017

Contact Joan Mintz Ulmer at 215-951-1710, ulmer@lasalle.edu