Network Leadership Series
Our Spring 2023 cohort is FULL!
Please fill out this form to get on the waiting list for our next cohort in the Fall - date to be announced soon.
Working at the intersection of theory and practice, the Network Leadership Series is a cohort-style training to deepen the understanding and practice of network coordination. Participants will learn useful tools and frameworks while collectively exploring ways to apply learned strategies in their home networks, within organizations, and with other practitioners.
VIEW CURRICULUM“I have found the sessions extremely helpful first in developing and understanding of the Converge approach, but also helpful in deepening my understanding of what networks are, how networks work, the role of a network coordinator, and so much more!”
No two trainings are exactly alike. In each training we include our current best thinking alongside examples from our work with networks. The series unfolds in weekly online gatherings over two months, co-facilitated by Converge practitioners with diverse specialties in systems strategy, design, facilitation, education, and evaluation. 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.
NETWORK MINDSET & EMERGENCE
Focus on the network theory of change and how we leverage the key differences between organizations and networks to create impact.
“Converge has helped us to understand and manage our network better, understanding that dynamic tensions will always exist has been particularly helpful to me for the networks I support.”
NETWORK COORDINATION
Focus on coordination roles and how network weaving, communications framing, and project support contribute to network vitality.
“Converge has helped our whole team understand the best-in-class thinking behind networks; how they evolve and are woven.”
PARTICIPANT ENGAGEMENT
Focus on the ways network members engage and how creating opportunities for people to connect and collaborate generates value.
“We see a positive impact on the health of our network and the strength of relationships we have been able to foster—especially through the 5Cs approach.”
The Network Leadership Series might be for you if you are a:
Network weaver, coordinator, or leader actively supporting a network.
Consultant applying network principles with your clients.
Leader interested in integrating network principles in your organization.
Systems change advocate engaging complexity in public policy and community organizing.
Funder or program officer, curious about supporting your network partners.
“You’ve given me a new way of thinking about pretty much everything. I’ve realized how stuck in this old paradigm I have been. Thank you for nudging me to really see what impact networks are about.”
Learning Outcomes
We are excited about advancing the capability of impact networks to unleash people’s creative potential to address complex challenges through collaborative learning and action. Converge is committed to advancing the field of networks practice by making network leadership and coordination accessible to all.
Grow your capability to engage network mindset in cultivating impact networks.
Learn network 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 frameworks and practices for network coordination.
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!”
“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.”
“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 managethe network, as well as providing me with connections to a peer group of colleagues also running networks."
Your Network Leadership Series Facilitators
Spring 2023
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.
Nick has been working with mission-driven organizations for more than two decades, as a volunteer, an executive director and a consultant.
He has worked in the areas of education, conservation, social services, tourism and homelessness, to name a few, and has facilitated over 1,000 meetings in the process.
When not facilitating a meeting or filling a white board, he can be found digging in the garden or enjoying the snow on Mt. Hood.
Nick says that process is his content and he lives by the rule that ‘your mission is his client.’ He is also the founder of c3strategy.
Nono is a commercial farmer, an entrepreneur, and an award-winning youth-in-agriculture advocate, working in South African and the region.
Nono’s work in agriculture leverages her 8 years career in financial services, 11-years commercial farming experience and a global network of agricultural stakeholders built over the years.
Nono leads the AL for Agribusiness network at the African Leadership Academy, connecting youth in agriculture to opportunities across Africa, in partnership with industry stakeholders.
She is currently partnering with Converge leading of Network of Network Coordinators across Africa, supported by Small Foundation.
Teletha co-creates human-centric systems and processes with people in organizations and networks.
She believes that systems and processes function best when they are created in collaboration with the people who use them, align with the operational and strategic needs of the organization or network, fit into the organizational culture, and are useful for day-to-day management.
She brings more than 20 years' experience in US-based nonprofit organizations, community colleges, international NGOs and social enterprises, where she has led and facilitated strategic and annual planning processes and developed the systems to support those processes.