Clear Circles
Peer Learning for Executive Directors and Emerging Leaders
For more than eight years, The Nonprofit Center has facilitated a new approach to leadership growth and development for both executive directors and for future nonprofit leaders. These "CLEAR Circles" (Cultivating Leadership Excellence and Responsibility) create an ongoing peer group to freely discuss issues that other nonprofit executive directors (or emerging leaders) best understand. They are for professionals who want to participate in a personal brain trust where they can jointly problem-solve among peers who are equally committed to increasing their leadership capacity.
We have successfully applied this model to
- executive directors at all experience levels
- newer executives
- senior staff reporting to the executive director
- and women leaders in organizations serving women and girls (through the Valentine Foundation.
CLEAR Circles consist of seven or eight individuals who meet monthly for two hours over eight months, with a professional facilitator. Discussion is driven and shaped by group members, with the goal of helping each other achieve goals through an action learning experience. Problem-solving, professional development and peer support are all by-products emerging from this confidential, supportive environment.
CLEAR Circles can be geographically-oriented and built on a rolling calendar, depending upon interest. In other words, you can help us start a CLEAR Circle in a preferred location.
Read the Guidestar Report on the value of CLEAR Circles.
Read more about support for emerging leaders >
“I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to be involved with the CLEAR Circle group. The friendships that have formed will be impossible to duplicate. To say that I am sad that it is going to end, is an understatement. The bonding, professional and emotional support, along with the shared experiences and stories have been extremely valuable (and we laughed a lot too!) I can honestly say, that I am a stronger and a more empowered woman because of the time I spent with my CLEAR Circle friends!”
-Lorna C. Locascio-Clause, Director of Special Initiatives, Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, Inc.
"I found the CLEAR Circle a tremendous support system unlike anything else I could use to assist me through obstacles and roadblocks...I highly recommend CLEAR for new and not-so-new directors to find the support and encouragement that overcomes the feeling of being alone in the position of director."
-Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark, SSJ, Cecilian Center for Earth, Arts & Spirituality
