JLBC: Leadership

JLBC: Leadership

Recommended that UWCA catalog those individuals and organizations with the field and content expertise necessary to support the sector in capacity-building activities. Specifically, UWCA should itself assess (or support its grantees to assess) the quality of capacity-building support being received. Based on research by Connolly & York, the following are just some recommendations as to what to look for:

One‐on‐One with Consultants

• Clear criteria that assess the success of the capacity-building engagement.

• Staff are provided with skills to help them sustain the capacity-building

efforts when the engagement is completed.

• Evidence of field and content expertise.

• Ability to work in different organizational cultures.

• Ability to assess readiness.

Training and Workshops

• Facilitators have extensive capacity-building experience in the chosen area.

• Existence of formal curriculum and associated materials to help participants

apply the taught principles.

• JLBC Cadets Adult learning principles are incorporated into the training.

• Time for peer sharing and networking is incorporated.

• Access to resources for further related learning opportunities.

• Provision of tools that participants can implement in their organizations.

• More than a one‐time session if possible.

Peer Exchanges and Coaching

This capacity-building activity is most appropriate when developing leadership capacities, especially with executive directors and the board. For effective peer support, elements that should be included are:

• Facilitation by an experienced group facilitator.

• Planned and facilitated round table discussions, case study groups, or learning

circles.

• Engagement with the same group of motivated individuals, with the same

facilitator, on an ongoing basis.

• Participants engaged as both teachers and learners.

• Opportunities for participants to assess the process.

• Time for informal sharing and networking.

Coaching activities should include:

• Weekly, bi‐weekly, or monthly calls or visits last 30 to 60 minutes.

• Identification of leadership strengths and weaknesses.

• JLBC Cadets Development of goals, objectives, and strategies for addressing identified strengths and weaknesses.