By Kerry Fugett, Leadership Institute for Just and Resilient Communities Program Manager

There is no denying that 2020 marks a momentous transition in how we relate to ourselves, each other and our planet. Last week, Daily Acts raised difficult questions about how our work can advance dismantling racism at all scales when we took a stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.

We know a statement is just the beginning and that deep reflection on how to move forward will take patience and continuous engagement with discomfort. This work permeates our organization and how we hold integrity in our Leadership Institute for Just and Resilient Communities program, where we critically examine the paradox of leadership and how personal transformation of  “Be the Change” can affect “systems change”.

“Transform yourself to transform the world.” – Grace Lee Boggs

We are navigating these uncharted waters with you, and would like to offer a peek at some questions and insights we hold as part of our leadership program.

Personal Leadership – Holding the Paradox

  • We all need to hold space for healing and grief. How do you recharge? How do you discern the difference between self-care and disconnection? How do you stay present for learning new information and leaning into discomfort?

Civic Engagement – Envisioning a new world

  • Transformative leaders hold humility and modesty while simultaneously embodying fierce resolve and determination to advance the collective good, such as channeling our outrage and grief into sustained action for larger change. How are you creating space to re-imagine what this can look like? How can you suspend what feels “politically feasible” and invite a vision of what’s actually needed?

Collective Power – Building it Together

  • Systems change when we work together, but that can be easier said than done when working across cultural difference. How are you bringing awareness to limiting cultural mindsets that may block collaboration? What unconscious bias or stereotypes might you unknowingly bring to the table? How graciously can you accept feedback on the path to finding shared understanding?

“We never know how our small activities will affect others through the invisible fabric of our connectedness. In this exquisitely connected world, it’s never a question of ‘critical mass.’ It’s always about critical connections.” – Grace Lee Boggs

A new world is being born before us, in our choice to step into leadership we are lifting up the possibility that the future can be better. Do you feel called to lean into leadership, to be present for these difficult questions and to make meaningful connections with others who want to show up to make a difference?

If so, we invite you to apply by June 15 to our Leadership Institute for Just and Resilient Communities Class of 2021 starting this September. Whether you are in business, government, nonprofit or a youth leader, this moment calls on all of us to reflect on our role in this world and the legacy we want to gift to future generations. Learn more at our information session tonight, June 10th.

In order to support the growth of emerging black leaders in our community and beyond, we are offering 4 full scholarships for black participants to attend the 2020-2021 Leadership Institute, in addition to the partial scholarships available to all people of color.

“The Leadership Institute is a transformative experience that engages leaders across all dimensions of their lives to embed positive change and effective action into our daily acts,” – Aaron Schreiber-Stainthorp, Jackson Family Wines.

As I personally reflect on my daily choices about how to live up to the needs of our community and climate within the messiness of emergence, I focus on my circle of influence and trust in the wisdom of those whose cultures have withstood far worse. I release the expectation to have all the answers, but humbly trust in the process of deeply listening to our most vulnerable and resilient communities on the frontline.