Strategic Connector
Nonprofit Leadership Institute
Strengthening Individuals, Nonprofits and Communities

Nonprofit Leadership Institute Home

MCN is now accepting applications for the 
2008 Strategic Connector Nonprofit Leadership Institute. 

Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2008

MCN's Strategic Connector Nonprofit Leadership Institute is for “connectors” who are currently employed by a nonprofit organization, committed to staying in the nonprofit sector for the next five years, and strongly interested in growing their own leadership, that of their organization, the nonprofit sector, and the communities they serve.

Strategic Connector Institute Information Format and 2008 Dates Application and Scholarship Information Faculty and Trainers FAQs Past Participants Comments

Leadership Institute Experience 
Each month, your cohort of no more than 25 strategic connectors from across the nonprofit sector will gather for a full day, covering topics ranging from setting leadership goals to gaining power and influence. Your experience will draw on the expertise of the faculty and guest speakers and that of each other. 

In addition, you will be paired with a small group of other participants in a shared learning experience, and have the opportunity to form and complete your own portfolio to benefit your organization. 

The most valuable part of this experience for me was to step away from my daily work, gather in a safe environment and explore ways that I can be a more effective leader in my postion. I learned that everyone in a nonprofit can make an important impact in their work.
Beth Megas, Facilities Manager Bridge for Runaway Youth, Inc.

Who are the Strategic Connectors?
Strategic Connectors are nonprofit staff who work on the front line, connecting organizations directly to the constituents you serve, providing a unique type of leadership. Whether community organizing, advocating for public policy change, engaging stakeholders through media and public relations or fundraising, “connectors” are both reacting to needs in communities and creating solutions.

The Strategic Connector Leadership Institute is geared to community organizers as well as communications, fund development, government relations, outreach and direct services staff.

Strategic Connector Leadership Institute Experience
This Institute is comprised of eight months of training with one daylong session per month, beginning with a two-and-a-half day kickoff retreat. An interactive, online component will compliment each session outside of participants’ time in trainings.

View the full 8-month Leadership Institute schedule

By participating in the Institute, you will develop knowledge and build network leadership around:

Opening Reception and Welcome
Leadership Goals
Understanding Networks & Organizations
Bolstering Self Awareness 
Strategic Communications
Leveraging Information Technology
Examining Boards
Program Development
Shaping Organizational Culture
Leading from the Middle
Money and Power
Financial Sustainability
Community Engagement Strategies
Working with Government
Leadership for the Long Term

Participants will also:
• Envision and plan a leadership project to benefit their organization
• Develop a leadership portfolio for use in their organization
• Build relationships with peers
• Engage in online learning and community building
• Reflect on past experiences and plan for new action

View the roster of participants of the 2007 Strategic Connector Leadership Institute.

2008 Dates and Format

View the 2008 application deadline and dates for the Strategic Connector Leadership Institute.

To apply for the Nonprofit Leadership Institute, complete the Nonprofit Leadership Institute application and return it to the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - 2314 University Ave. W., Suite 20, St. Paul Minnesota, 55114; or fax it to 651-642-1517. Applications can be downloaded online.

For more information about MCN's Leadership Program and its elements, please contact Bao Vang, MCN’s leadership program coordinator, at 651-642-1904, ext. 245 or at bao@mncn.org.