GLOBAL LEADERSHIP FORUM
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP FORUM - P
PHILANTHROPY AND VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP
v.9.29.13
Summary:
The goal of the Global Leadership Forum (GLF) is to explore and enhance leadership in the global arena. Three
seminars are organized over successive seasons (e.g. fall, winter, spring) to create community and continuity
among the cohort. This cohort (GLF-P) will consist of 8+ individuals carefully selected as philanthropists or
volunteers giving or interested in global needs, organizations and opportunities. Participants are recruited
through direct invitation, referrals, and requests for participation from appropriate organizations.
GLF-P will be the third cohort in the program. The first two cohorts have featured rich conversation, specific
skill development and problem-solving activities, and quick and deep trust among the participants. Cohort
alumni have expressed high appreciation for the program (see attached).
The Need
Philanthropists and volunteer leaders in international organizations have a unique set of challenges. Among
the common questions of those engaged in global philanthropy and volunteer leadership are:
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What are you most pressing challenges as a global philanthropist or volunteer leader?
What is your Theory of Change and how is it manifested in your giving strategy?
How do you find, and build relationship with overseas programs (partner/grantees)?
How do manage differentials in money and power as a philanthropist?
What are your aspirations in terms of developing appropriate and authentic relationships with grantees?
What do you ask your grantees to do in terms of reporting? How do you measure progress?
Do you visit overseas projects? How do you define and craft those visits?
How do you guide staff?
Do you have legal/technical challenges in your grantmaking?
What are your strengths/challenges as a leader? Have you developed senior staff to complement your
strengths and abilities?
The Program
In context of the questions, the three seasonal seminars will include the following components:
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Hands-on and specific problem-solving
Evaluation: from outputs to outcomes to impact
The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization (Peter Drucker
pamphlet)
Governance
Leadership Assessment and Development
Theory of Change
Trends, new perspectives and innovation
In addition, each GLF is customized to the particular needs, participants and dynamics of the cohort. Sessions
are highly interactive, featuring case studies, interactive exercises, media, presentations, guest speakers,
individual reflection, group activities, and shared readings.
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GLOBAL LEADERSHIP FORUM
Outcomes
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Deeper understanding of current trends, challenges and opportunities in global philanthropy and
volunteer leadership
A community of trusted executive associates
Greater self-knowledge as a leader
New strategic and operational directions for your work
A collaborative learning community
Leadership
The Seminar will be led by Robert Ness and Peter Blomquist:
Peter is the principal of Blomquist International, a consulting business focused on organizational
development, philanthropy, and global engagement. Previously, he served in leadership roles with Mercy
Corps, Global Partnerships, the Starbucks Foundation and CARE. He writes occasional articles on international
development, global travel and philanthropy, and teaches at Seattle University. His TEDxRainier talk can be
found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-a5NejIAjg
Bob is the principal of Ness Consulting--working internationally for 30 years with a focus on strategic
planning, creativity and innovation, executive development, conflict transformation, and organization
development. He has worked internationally with profit and nonprofit groups with experience in 45 countries
with particular experience in Soviet and post-soviet countries, Asia, Europe, and Central America, has been on
the board of 25 nonprofit organizations. Bob has done leadership development with US State Dept. sponsored
groups, directed international conferences, and directed or hosted official delegations from many countries.
Tentative Dates 2013
The first two-day seminar of GLF-P will be held on either February 6-7 or 13-14 (Thursday-Friday; location to
be determined). We expect the following seminars to be held in mid-spring and early summer—and will
confirm subsequent dates with the cohort during the first seminar in February. We will also meet once/month
between the seminars for two-three hour sessions.
Cost
$2000
More Information
www.glfglobal.com
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