EVENTS
DC LEADERSHIP FORUM
International Trade Center, Washington D.C.
April 25, 2008
On April 25, the American Democracy Institute convened a select group of emerging leaders for the Washington, D.C. Leadership Forum at the International Trade Center. These leaders joined a growing national network to collaborate with each other to advance social and political change. In Washington, ADI Leaders learned more about what it takes to be a transformative leader, and worked with one another to support activities and launch organizations that will have a transformative impact.
Click on the links at the bottom of the page for more information on the Washington D.C. Leadership Forum. To view photos from the event, see our Facebook albums: Album 1 Album 2 Album 3
Transformative Leaders: Keynote Speakers
The Washington, D.C. Leadership Forum included two keynote
speakers who are powerful examples of transformative leadership. The day began with a keynote by Gene Nichol, Professor
of Law and former president at the College
of William and Mary, who
inspired participants with his passionate case for authentic, progressive
leadership. During lunch, Amy Curtis-McIntyre, the woman who literally gave Jet
Blue its name, provided an insiders perspective on how transformative leaders
can promote and market ideas through honesty and clear messaging. Watch both speakers below:
Interactive Panels: New Ideas and Trends
Panel discussions highlighted
how diverse leaders are working through technology, law, education, media, and policy
to transform our country.
Organizing without Organizations explored how technology is opening avenues for activism and online mobilization campaigns.
Constitution in the 21st Century examined race and equality, specifically focusing on voting rights and education, through the lens of the Constitution.
Transformative Ideas was a discussion of the importance of innovation in policy and examples of successful implementation and was hosted by contributors to Democracy: A Journal of Ideas.
Transforming Elections looked at new trends in electoral participation, effects on the political landscape, and the changing roles of institutions in the 2008 election cycle.
Transformative Education was a conversation with Kaya Henderson, Deputy Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, and her work to transform a school system where only 21% of students met national performance standards last year.
The Economy, Government, and Markets was a discussion of market trends, fiscal policy, government intervention, and other pressing issues in the American economy.
Skill Building Workshops
Intimate seminars offered leaders a chance to learn about innovative
tools and trends for personal and professional development.
Relationship Building gave participants an opportunity to learn insights into the importance and power of leveraging connections and managing networks.
Leveraging Trends in New Media taught participants how to harness the power of existing online tools, markets and communities, and covered topics such as online branding using participant case studies as an aide.
Collaboration Session: Transformative Projects
During the collaboration session at the Leadership Forum,
participants contributed their skills, expertise, and ideas to several projects
that included startup non-profits, a grassroots initiative, and an advocacy and
public policy campaign. Project leaders received
input and assistance on a wide range of current challenges including marketing
their ideas, growing their organizations, brainstorming strategic partnerships,
and help researching policy issues. ADI
Leaders made specific commitments to leverage their networks to advance these
causes, help generate media for specific projects, develop strategic plans for
emerging organizations and much more. Below are three of the six projects
highlighted during this session:
Irene Godínez, Advocacy Director for El Pueblo, a statewide advocacy and public policy organization based in North Carolina dedicated to strengthening the Latino Community, came to the Leadership Forum seeking support for their current efforts to prevent North Carolina from being the first state to bar undocumented immigrants from higher education. In addition to developing an innovative three-prong strategic approach, ADI Leaders made commitments to help form connections with their peers in North Carolina, and coach Irene on lobbying. Leaders also developed an idea to establish a support group of other young Latinas whose aspirations are in politics at the state and national level.
Matt Paco, founding member of SKOOL'd, a New York City grassroots initiative that raises money and awareness for charities that benefit lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth - especially homeless and suicidal teens-attended the forum seeking insight to grow the volunteer organization into a sustainable 501(c)(3). Matt spoke with ADI Leaders who had themselves founded, or worked in nonprofits, to developing a process for leadership succession, Board and volunteer management, and even secured a commitment from one participant to facilitate a strategic planning process for SKOOL'd.
Kinya
Mururu, the founder of a Kenyan Women's Nonprofit Startup, came
to the Leadership Forum seeking ideas and input on how she could develop her
vision into a sustainable organization.
Kinya walked away with insight on developing a basic organizational framework, as well
as researching effective approaches, and reaching out to potential partners in
government, education, and corporations.
Leaders
Working Across Sectors to Empower Change
The leaders convened at the Washington,
D.C. Leadership Forum were
influential, accomplished professionals who have demonstrated leadership
abilities, records of accomplishment and possess the desire to effect positive
social, political and civic change in our democracy. They include leaders from
government, business, marketing, finance, entertainment, and law; along with
members of the military, entrepreneurs, issue advocates, members of
congressional staff and founders of nonprofits.
Please click on the links below for more information on the Washington D.C. Leadership Forum:
Detailed agenda, dress code and directions
Washington D.C. Leadership Forum Facebook Group
