Working at the intersection of theory and practice, the Network Leadership Series is an 8-week experiential course focused on cultivating the foundational sensibilities and skills for leading collaborative initiatives.

Participants will learn useful tools and frameworks to amplify engagement while collectively exploring ways to apply their learnings in their networks, teams, organizations, and with other practitioners.

The online series unfolds in weekly gatherings over 2 months, hosted by Circle Generation (previously offered by Converge). Co-facilitators Carri Munn, Elsa Henderson, and Nono Sekhoto bring diverse specialties in cultivating impact networks: collaborative learning, systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and convening design and facilitation.

Each session offers small group learning and builds depth across our core topics. During the series, you’ll receive resources, session recordings, and peer consult opportunities.

The series includes the following three modules:

1. Network Mindset & Emergence - Focus on the sensibilities and mindset shifts needed to foster a network approach to collaboration. Understand the network theory of change and how we leverage the key differences between organizations and networks to create impact.
2. Participant Engagement - Explores the different ways network members engage and how creating opportunities for people to connect and collaborate generates value.
3. Network Coordination - Focus on coordination roles and how network weaving, communications framing, and project support contribute to network vitality.

Learning Outcomes

Circle Generation is committed to advancing the awareness and skills of network leaders, community organizers, managers and coordinators of impact networks.

By participating in the series, you will:

• Grow your ability to engage network mindset in cultivating impact in networks and organizations.
• Learn coordination practices that facilitate connection, invite engagement, and support collaborative action.
• Share impact network experiences and approaches brought by other practitioners in the field.
• Access and innovate on useful frameworks and practices for network coordination.

Learn more about out NLS curriculum here.

Price

Our pricing is tiered to ensure accessibility across incomes and industries. Please choose the level that aligns with your resources:

• Standard Pricing - $2,200
  (This tier is intended for corporations, foundations, government leaders, or similar.)
• Accessible Pricing - $1,200
  (This tier is intended for NGOs, community based organizations, or similar.)

To ensure equity and include diverse perspectives we offer a limited number of partial tuition scholarships. Please contact [email protected] to inquire.

We also encourage co-learning! If you’d like to invite a colleague from your network or organization, we offer a 20% discount. Please contact us prior to registering for details.

All participants will also receive an electronic copy of the book Impact Networks by David Ehrlichman.

Schedule

Sessions take place on Tuesdays and start at 8am PDT / 11am EDT / 5pm CEST / 6pm EAT*

April 23 - Orientation (90 min)

April 30 - Network Mindset (2.5 hr)

May 7 - Network Mindset (2.5 hr)

May 14 - Network Coordination (2.5 hr)

May 21 - Network Coordination (2.5 hr)

May 28 - Participant Engagement (2.5 hr)

June 4 - Participant Engagement (2.5 hr)

June 11 - Closing Reflection (90 min)

What Participants are Saying

“It’s been a blast being part of this cohort, especially for someone like myself who is providing leadership for the first time in a network. I am grateful for the opportunity!” —Kambo Matindi, SNDBX Community Manager, Nairobi

“The balance between providing theory and allowing small group discussion on practice has enabled us to learn in a practical way and also develop new relationships.” —NLS Participant

“The Network Leadership series has helped me gain an understanding of a variety of tools and techniques which I can apply as the Network Coordinator to better manage the network, as well as providing me with connections to a peer group of colleagues also running networks." —NLS Participant

Facilitators

Carri Munn

Carri is a systems strategist and masterful facilitator who partners with systems change leaders to cultivate thriving organizations and networks. Her clients include regional and global networks, coordination teams, and executives. She brings a bright spirit of generosity, detail-orientation, and a patient, caring essence that facilitates a relaxed state among individuals while navigating change.

She is based in Portland, Oregon and enjoys working globally. Carri holds a BA in Political Theory and a MA in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. She is certified as a True Purpose Coach for individuals and organizations.

Elsa Henderson

Elsa moves between the roles of facilitator, coach, and educator. In each role, her focus is on supporting individuals to learn, broaden their sense of what’s possible, and connect with a deeper sense of purpose. She brings an attitude of curiosity, respect, and care to all of her work.

Elsa has worked internationally as a facilitator and educator for 12 years. Her work focuses on capacity development and team alignment in corporate and nonprofit organizations. As an educator, she trains counselors and facilitators at the postgraduate level. Elsa holds a BA in Anthropology, and an MA in Process-Oriented Psychology and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Studies.

Nono Sekhoto

Nono is an experienced network coordinator, facilitator, and stakeholder engagement manager leading in the intersection of Africa’s agri-food system and systems change. Her work leverages building relationships to collaborate on curating enabling environments that foster co-learning, resources and opportunity sharing, around shared value. Nono had the unique pleasure of attending the NLS as a participant in 2020, had time to implement the learning in her work as a network coordinator, then in 2022 participated as a facilitator incorporating her work experience into the curriculum.

She is based in South Africa with access to a global network in agriculture and the network practice ecosystem. She holds a BCom in Financial Accounting, a few certificates in business management and development, and is currently enrolled in an international master's in agribusiness.