Leadership Forums

In the rapids? Ever wish you could ask another executive director the nagging questions that keep you up at night? Looking for a professional group of peers who are interested in developing their leadership practices?  Does taking part in a peer group that addresses difficult issues appeal to you?

“Being part of a Paddling group has enhanced just about every phase of my job – immeasurably!  I highly recommend it to anyone who directs anything.”   

~ Jackie Davidson, Executive Director, YWCA MDI

Consider the benefits that meeting with colleagues in a facilitated, confidential group offers: lively discussions that address your conundrums, sharing your experience, exchanging resources, building your leadership muscles, identifying best practices, celebrating wins, sharing and reflecting on rough times, learning new approaches, and renewing your commitment to the work. 

Monthly forum agendas have three segments: check-ins, case studies and topic discussions. Over the course of eight months, each participant brings a leadership challenge to the group in the form of a case study. The facilitated peer consultation yields insights that benefit every participant present. The spirit is one of collective inquiry and generosity in sharing insights born from experience and resources.

For the topic discussion segment, participants select pertinent topics that span all aspects of nonprofit management, whether developing mission-related strategies, working with your board, connecting with the community, supervising staff, or raising funds. Where useful, an outside speaker will provide additional perspective.

Each of the eight monthly sessions runs for three hours. The fee is: $800. This translates to $34 per hour. A deposit of $150 reserves your seat with the remainder of the fee paid in a timeframe that works with your organization’s revenue flow.

Interested? Contact Deb Burwell with Paddling the Rapids (deb@paddlingtherapids.com) to arrange a time to explore whether a Paddling the Rapids Leadership Forum is a good match for you.