by Anne Arias
Grow your leadership network with YDEKC!
We are excited to announce our second round of Leadership Discussion Groups! This is a program exclusively for executive directors and leaders from YDEKC member organizations collectively focused on ensuring that Black, Indigenous, and youth of color thrive. Leadership Discussion Groups, launching in February 2022, will enable leaders in our network to build relationships with one another and share experiences and expertise related to key leadership topics. These groups will meet remotely once a month for informal discussions on topics of their choice facilitated by a rotating group member.
Why Leadership Discussion Groups?
When we launched the first round of Leadership Discussion Groups in March 2021, one of our key goals was to strengthen connections between leaders in the sector. We have received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from participants.
“It felt like a place of solidarity, empathy, and networking. I appreciated having a space to talk through challenges and problems with trusted colleagues.” -Leadership Discussion Group Participant
We have consistently heard from our members that they value opportunities to learn and grow together, and want more informal time with peers to explore issues facing nonprofit leaders in the youth-serving organizations. These issues could include everything from supporting BIPOC youth, to recruiting and developing staff, to building an antiracist organization, to succession planning. For example, 82% of respondents to our recent Program Survey expressed interest in a monthly self-facilitated cross-racial discussion group. Leadership Discussion Groups provide our members time and space to explore these issues — and others of their own choosing — in a mutually supportive environment.
How will Leadership Discussion Groups work?
YDEKC will create Leadership Discussion Groups based on the scheduling needs and interests of participants (including desired demographic makeup of the groups). There will be a Network Gathering on February 24 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, which includes time for current and new groups to meet. After the kickoff, groups will meet once per month through June 2022 for open and honest discussion with peers. YDEKC will support facilitators with ideas and resources.
How can I join a Leadership Discussion Group?
We are currently recruiting new and returning participants for this program. If you are an executive director or leader of a YDEKC member organization and are interested in joining a Leadership Discussion Group, fill out the Discussion Group Application by February 11, 2021. Not sure if your organization is a member? Check out our Member Organization list, and learn more about YDEKC Membership.
If you have questions, please contact Anne Arias.