The Art and Science of Collaborative Leadership

2011 Nonprofit Leadership Conference a Success in Fostering Collaboration to Advance Community Health

St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities’ Grantmaking team held its 2011 Nonprofit Leadership Conference: The Art and Science of Collaborative Leadership.

Each component of the conference included discussion of observances and proven collaborative tactics that embodied “art and science,” as well as, ties to the big ideas that can be realized with meaningful dialog and collaborative brainstorming. The “Big Idea” theme was born out of the successful leveraging of the Breast Health Portal that was illustrated in the recently completed “WOW video.” Conference attendees were matched with other like-minded and experienced attendees and asked to collaborate to develop a Big Idea for each table group.

Since the first conference, attendance has grown from thirty-five participants to nearly 100 Executive Directors, Board members and funders from 34 local, state, and national nonprofit community partners from throughout the 57-county Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Described as “the best conference yet,” “best meeting I have been to all year,” and a “great opportunity for professional and spiritual growth,” the conference motivated leaders to explore partnering and collaborative efforts to tackle the ever growing challenges facing nonprofit leaders.

In summary, one participant noted “nice change from only one facilitator to shared duties. I still marvel that your conference is able to draw together such disparate organizations and provide meaningful content for all,” while another was impressed with the Charities ability to “have the right people at the right tables” to facilitate meaningful discussions that are likely to continue beyond the conference. 

Based upon face-to-face feedback and over 75% of attendees’ response to the conference evaluation, the conference goals were met. Conference goals were:

§         To provide an environment to experience a spiritual renewal and recommitment to service.

§         To engage nonprofit leaders in collaboration by providing co-learning opportunities with peers and other diverse stakeholders.

§         To encourage the development of Big Ideas to solve common challenges and increase impact.

Did you attend this year's conference? If so, what did you learn?