The Leader Renewal Project

The Leader Renewal Project is the focus of my Metcalf Innovation Fellowship. It began with the idea that continuously renewing our sense of purpose or vocation through reflective practice helps sustain our commitment, effort and effectiveness as nonprofit leaders. It is an ongoing conversation about the connection between who we are and what we do, and the thread running through our private, professional and public lives.

In the first stage of this work, I wrote a “conversation starter” and invited a cross-section of nonprofit leaders from arts, community and environmental organizations to dive into stories and questions related to work, vocation and renewal with me. To download a copy of Being the Change We Want: A Conversation on Vocational Renewal for Nonprofit Leaders (May 2009), click here.

Now that the conversation is underway, I’m stoking it, reaching farther into these leadership networks, and learning more about the experiences that contribute to vocational and organizational vitality. My second paper called The Dark Horse Conversation: Nonprofit Leaders Talk about Vocational, Organizational and Civic Renewal was released in November 2011. Click here to download a copy or visit our new website, one alpha avenue: the home of good conversation on work and vocation.

I'd like to hear from you if anything about this project catches your attention or sparks an idea, question or story. You can reach me at pat@patriciathompson.ca.