A Community of Leaders

A Retreat Series for Community Advocates and Neighborhood Leaders

"A leader is someone with the power to project either shadow or light onto some part of the world and onto the lives of the people who dwell there…A good leader is intensely aware of the interplay of inner shadow and light lest the act of leadership do more harm than good."

- Parker J. Palmer, PhD., Let Your Life Speak

Leadership is not for faint of heart.  Whether we are entrusted with a family, a school, organization, a neighborhood association or another group of individuals, we know leadership has its challenges.

Some of the challenges have to do with systems and policies; others come from the fact that we are working with other human beings.  Still other challenges come from the questions, feelings, fears, and memories that leadership experiences and challenges raise within ourselves.

How do I create places where others can grow and produce?
How I deal with the personal criticism and opposition that with leadership?
How do I learn to trust myself in the midst of competing voices?
How do I take responsibility for the shadow side of my leadership?
How do I handle the loneliness of the role of leader?
How d I develop the internal resources to continues my life of service over the long haul?

If these questions sound familiar and are of interest, then join 25 - 30 other community advocates and neighborhood leaders to explore the personal side of leadership.  The community of Leaders will meet for four intensive sessions next fall and spring to grow and renew as leaders and to establish a community of leaders based upon trust and relationships.

Themes explored will include:

1. We are Leaders

Explore the leadership journey
Identify gifts and limitations
Learn how to lead from values, beliefs, hopes and dreams
Commit to learning with a community of leaders

2. Understanding Self and Others

Listen for understanding
Ask the right questions
Embrace diversity
Listen to the wisdom within

3. Challenges of Leadership in a Complex World

Deal with complexity and paradox
Thrive in the midst of change
Live and “lead” in the “unknown”
Understand the shadow side of leadership

4. A Trustworthy Community of Leaders

Learn the movement model of change
Celebrate the community
Determine the next steps

Are you interested in learning more about this offer?

If so, email Kathy Livingston at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your interest and questions.