News

Creating Collaborative Partnerships

Written by Kashif Siraj | Wed, Jun 5, 2024

Leadership Niagara’s Program Advisory Committee continued to build upon the strong start made in October to their Community Leadership Development Program unfolding with two impactful half-day workshops for the day 2 of the Program, merging in-person engagement on November 17 with a dynamic virtual session on December 1.

In-Person Session (November 17):
The day commenced with participants revisiting the TetraMap exercise, a tool to understand team dynamics. An engaging icebreaker session challenged participants to collaboratively construct marshmallow towers, setting a spirited tone aligned with the overarching theme — "Collaborative Partnerships." Dave Augustyn's session proved illuminating, offering profound insights into the role of Not-for-Profits (NFPs) in Niagara. Attendees delved into the intricacies of NFPs, gaining an understanding of their indispensable role, the challenges they confront, and the interconnectedness of boards, staff, and volunteers. The session also provided a glimpse into potential community projects through thoughtfully curated videos.

Virtual Session (December 1):
The virtual leg of Day 2 featured guest speaker Michelle Chambers, Chief People, Culture & Strategy Officer at Chambers & Associates. Her presentation equipped participants with practical tools to enhance collaborative skills in addressing NFP challenges. Breakout sessions facilitated direct interactions with Community Partners, offering participants an in-depth understanding of project proposals and the organizations driving them. Following this, participants seamlessly transitioned to collaborative teamwork, employing the provided template to construct Project Charters.

This combined approach, integrating hands-on activities, expert insights, and virtual engagement, provided a comprehensive and enriching experience. Participants left equipped with not only knowledge and skills but also a tangible connection to potential community projects allowing them to develop deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the community. Day 2 epitomized the program's commitment to nurturing inspiring leaders dedicated to the betterment of Niagara's communities.