What does it take to turn passionate community advocates into effective board members? And how can associations and nonprofits better prepare volunteer leaders to govern instead of manage?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Bridget Lee, Founder and Executive Director of the Academy for Local Leadership (ALL Chicago). Bridget discusses:
- How Chicago is transitioning from a mayor-appointed school board to a fully elected 21-member board.
- ALL Chicago’s three pillars: Prepared Leaders, Empowered Communities, and Effective Governance.
- How ALL Chicago trains aspiring school board members to understand the responsibilities and complexities of governance.
- The important distinction between governance and management. Board members should focus on ensuring that systems solve problems rather than stepping in to solve individual problems themselves.
- How ALL Chicago makes its fellowship accessible by offering the program for free and paying participants a stipend.
- ALL Chicago’s Governance Compass Framework, which focuses on setting direction, protecting community values, holding the system accountable for student learning, being transparent, and governing collectively.
- Bridget’s larger vision that effective governance can lead to effective government—and that electing leaders is only the beginning. Success comes when leaders make things better for the communities they serve.
References:
About Academy for Local Leadership (ALL) Chicago
The Academy for Local Leadership (ALL) Chicago builds civic infrastructure for effective school board governance in Chicago. A nonpartisan organization, ALL equips parents, caregivers, educators, and community members with the knowledge and skills to engage meaningfully in public education decision-making, strengthening the relationship between school boards, communities, and the students they serve. Through its nonpartisan Governance Compass framework, ALL Chicago provides practical tools to evaluate board readiness and hold elected officials accountable. ALL Chicago is fiscally sponsored by the Hopewell Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit localleadership.org. For the most up-to-date info, follow us on Linkedin @Academy for Local Leadership
and on instagtam @chifellowship
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About Associations Thrive
Associations Thrive podcast is hosted by Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. Joanna’s personal mission and the mission of Matrix Group is to help associations and nonprofits increase membership, generate revenue and thrive in the digital space.
We believe that every association has a unique mission and unique story that demonstrates how they’re serving their members, impacting their industry, and ultimately changing the world. Every guest is an association Chief Executive, Executive Director or President. We’re here to help amplify their stories so all associations can learn and thrive, together.
If you and your organization have a great story, apply to be on Associations Thrive!