By Annie Dunsky, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs Manager, IBM

As the chair of Leadership Next's Educational Preparedness Committee, I am proud of the commitment we have made to United Way's High School Turnaround efforts. As a group, we've decided to focus our energy and time to support Cody High School, one of the five turnaround schools funded by United Way and the Greater Detroit Education Venture Fund. [Click here to continue reading.]

Labels: Educational_Preparedness, leadership_next, monthly enewsletter

Support United Way's High School Turnaround Program with a night at the Palace of Auburn Hills on March 31. Bring your friends and family and watch the Detroit Pistons take on the Miami Heat. Tickets are $20 and half of the ticket price will help United Way purchase classroom resources for its turnaround schools. Click here to learn more.

Labels: Educational_Preparedness, leadership_next, monthly enewsletter

Before the holidays, a group of Leadership Next members and United Way staff traveled to Lansing to advocate for the education reform proposals championed by Leadership Next. The legislation and language that we advocated for was part of the Race to the Top reform package proposed by the Michigan Legislature in order to compete for a portion of the federal Race to the Top grant.

The legislation we advocated for includes mandates that allow the state to take over failing schools and language supporting alternative teacher certification.

Click here to read more.

Labels: Educational_Preparedness, leadership_next, monthly enewsletter

Leadership Next has partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank to provide an impactful morning of volunteering for individuals on Nov. 14. Volunteers will be packing food boxes to be distributed to local food pantries.

Saturday, November 14
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Gleaners: Joan & Wayne Webber Distribution Center
24162 Mound Rd. (located behind the Salvation Army Warren Service Center)
Warren, MI 48091

RSVP here. Please reply promptly so that we can ensure meaningful work awaits all of our volunteers! Participants should wear jeans and closed toe shoes.

Labels: leadership_next, monthly enewsletter, Volunteering

This is the second of five blog posts created by Leadership Next committee members Matt Clayson and Rose Giffen. The series of blog posts originally appeared in Metromode, an eZine dedicated to Southeast Michigan, in 2008.

Matt: It's as if we're constantly searching for solutions to the same old issues that have haunted us for the past 50, 100 years. Why don't we have transit? Why are we so segregated? Why is education not valued? Why is the media so negative? Why are insurance rates for city residents so high? Why can't we appreciate who we are as a region? Why can't we hold ourselves, our leaders accountable? Why are we so caught up in entitlements? Why can't we live united in the dream of a city and region of opportunity? Why can't we expect greatness?

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: leadership_next, monthly enewsletter

Our vision for the future is most likely a vision shared by many. At its heart: community that can articulate and respect its values, its identity and its image just as much as it respects its economic resources. A region that see’s itself as integrated - meaning that it is a region comprised of engaged residents that have a deep sense of commitment to each other, regardless of racial, geographic, economic or political boundaries.

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: leadership_next, regionalism

Hey – I'm confused, why are we starting this blog with a quote from a movie, as opposed to a movie title.

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: leadership_next, regionalism

In Leadership Next, we're taking a model of connecting people to meaningful engagement through a skills based approach. We seek to connect people to opportunities for community development and engagement based on their skills and passion.

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: leadership_next, regionalism

It's as if we're constantly searching for solutions to the same old issues that have haunted us for the past 50, 100 years. Why don't we have transit? Why are we so segregated? Why is education not valued? Why is the media so negative? Why are insurance rates for city residents so high? Why can't we expand or even renovate Cobo Hall? Why can't we appreciate who we are as a region? Why can't we hold ourselves, our leaders accountable? Why are we so caught up in entitlements? Why can't we live united in the dream of a city and region of opportunity? Why can't we expect greatness?

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: leadership_next, regionalism

Well, when one titles a blog with a trite and over-used music quote, it has to be good. But, with all the good, bad and the ugly – another quote, from albeit a better movie – happening in Southeast Michigan, who can help from feeling dazed and confused about our current direction and, more importantly, our future.

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: leadership_next, regionalism

Leadership Next wants to increase home ownership rates across our region.

We are committed to helping United Way for Southeastern Michigan make progress in the financial stability focus area of its Agenda for Change, and one of the ways we will do this is to provide key resources to potential homeowners.

We know that buying a starter home (or even a dream home) can be overwhelming. That is why Leadership Next is teaming up with City Living Detroit, Preservation Wayne and Detroit Young Professionals to assist consumers who are interested in taking this major step through MI City Home Toolkit.

MI City Home Toolkit is a six-part series that launches June 14 and runs through October. Each month, organizers stage a tour of three homes in one of six featured Detroit neighborhoods, and includes an opportunity for participants to meet the homeowners in those neighborhoods. Other event highlights include opportunities to:

• Meet homeowners and hear firsthand what it's like to own or rehab a historic Detroit home
• Talk one-on-one with Realtors, contractors and mortgage brokers to learn more about making smart purchasing and renovation decisions
• Learn how to take advantage of home buying incentives like NEZ property tax discounts, historic tax credits and more

The events are free, but space is limited, so go to www.micityhome.com to reserve your spot today.

Labels: leadership_next, monthly enewsletter

As volunteers with United Way's Leadership Next program, we partner with residents and community organizations interested in improving the physical and social qualities of their respective neighborhoods. And while impacting the region is our primary goal, Leadership Next also provides us a number of opportunities to grow personally and professionally, and to learn about other organizations, communities and initiatives.

We had a chance to experience all of this and more when we helped the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation in April with a community revitalization project. About 25 volunteers put shovels, rakes and others tools to use while rejuvenating Stoepel Park, on Detroit's west side. We helped ensure that 600 area kids have adequate ball fields for their summer little league season.

Tom Goddeeris, executive director at GRDC, thanked the group for its contribution to the project, and also provided an overview of his group's work in the community.

Leadership Next would like to thank all of the volunteers who worked through the dreary, drizzling morning at Stoepel Park. The fields looked great after you were done. For those who missed the event, don't worry, more opportunities to make a difference are on the horizon.

We will continue to increase our involvement and seek to engage in similar projects across the region regularly, so stay tuned. Through these efforts we are confident that Leadership Next will make communities stronger and enhance the vibrancy of our region.

Check out videos and pictures from the morning!

Labels: civic engagement, leadership_next

By Professor Jerry Lindman, J.D.

Serving on a board of directors of a nonprofit is a unique opportunity for young business professionals to give back to their community while advancing their careers.

Nonprofits are required by law to have a volunteer board of directors. The board of directors has the ultimate responsibility for the proper management, strategic direction and overall well being of the organization. Boards hire and oversee the chief executive. Research clearly demonstrates that nonprofits with talented and engaged board members are more successful in achieving their mission.

Business professionals are highly sought after to serve as board members because of their workplace experience and management skills. Marketing, public relations, finance, project management and strategic planning (to name a few), are skills nonprofits sorely need. Most professionals take these skills for granted, but they are valuable to nonprofits. Also, the board experience offers young professionals opportunities to grow or diversify their skill sets.

Serving on a nonprofit board allows you to give back to a cause you value, while developing leadership and team building skills, providing management oversight and, most importantly, networking with many other business professionals volunteering in the same capacity.

Nonprofits, faced with increasing accountability standards and performance expectations, actively seek skilled, committed professionals to serve on their boards.

Here are some tips on joining a nonprofit board:

• Start by studying the roles and responsibilities of a nonprofit board of directors
• Look for opportunities on the board of a nonprofit whose mission you are passionate about
• Identify a management role on the board that matches your professional skills and experience
• Remember that nonprofits are uniquely different from businesses largely because of their mission (rather than profit) focus

In order to promote board service, United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Lawrence Technological University have joined forces to offer a series of low-cost workshops to help people become effective board members. The program is called BoardWALK, and includes a series of seven workshops, each covering a key area of board management.

Sessions are offered monthly on Lawrence Tech's Southfield campus. Topics range from legal accountability to strategic planning to financial oversight. For more information on the BoardWALK workshop series, visit www.uwsem.org/boardwalk.

Consider this your invitation to join us.

Professor Lindman is director of the Center for Nonprofit Management at Lawrence Technological University, a program of the Graduate College of Management, offering graduate education and community outreach programming focused on advancing professional leadership at charitable, nonprofit organizations. For more information, email lindman@ltu.edu

Leadership Next welcomes editorial submissions and other contributions from its members. If you are interested in sharing your talent, please e-mail Julie.Updyke@uwsem.org.

Labels: leadership_next, monthly enewsletter

Posted By: Matt Clayson and Rose Giffen to MetroMode

Matt: It's as if we're constantly searching for solutions to the same old issues that have haunted us for the past 50, 100 years. Why don't we have transit? Why are we so segregated? Why is education not valued? Why is the media so negative? Why are insurance rates for city residents so high? Why can't we expand or even renovate Cobo Hall? Why can't we appreciate who we are as a region? Why can't we hold ourselves, our leaders accountable? Why are we so caught up in entitlements? Why can't we live united in the dream of a city and region of opportunity? Why can't we expect greatness?

Yet, a lot of solid solutions to these problems have been proposed over the years. And a lot of solid solutions are continuing to be proposed. So, could it be that the issue is not with solutions, but rather the execution of those solutions?

Rose: Regional solutions need regional execution. Unfortunately, we tend to isolate ourselves when the going gets tough. Rather than uniting behind executing solutions, we point fingers and hide behind our barriers and fears. This failure to implement solutions across borders is a regional liability, resulting in a lack of regional vision, lack of a regional plan and a lack of regional leadership that inspires and conveys opportunity.

Matt: To me, nothing steers young persons away from the region more than the perception that there is no opportunity here. Perception remains an important piece of attracting and retaining young talent. Branding campaigns and initiatives; incentives to live in urban areas; networking events and a vibrant nightlife – sure they help. Nonetheless, when they're not supported by effective, meaningful policy that is executed at a regional level, they're merely icing on the cake.

Rose: Well, don’t forget that lot of great solutions are happening at the grassroots, civic and not-for-profit level. From Focus Hope to ACCESS to United Way to One D to our work at the Michigan Roundtable, we're talking and innovating in ways that we never have before. We're building a foundation of collaboration that includes various perspectives and innovative ideas.

But, maybe, could it be that a central piece to overcoming the stigma that there is no opportunity in Southeast Michigan is ensuring that young talent is welcomed and engaged in finding and executing solutions to regional problems. It's essential to find avenues to get young talent invested and engaged in their communities, and much of the work around regional transformation that is occurring provides the perfect opportunity to create those on-ramps to meaningful community engagement.

Matt: That's the key – meaningful on-ramps to community engagement. Engage young talent in the policy making and policy executing process. Rather than ask "hey, young talent – where's the next cool bar where we can host a happy hour and networking event," maybe we should ask "hey, young talent – what are the amenities that will keep you in this region" and "hey, young talent, how can we co-create and co-execute policy that will enable you and your peers to grow and flourish in Detroit."

Of course, as young talent, we must take it upon ourselves to define our vision for the future, know about and understand the current regional transformation initiatives underway, learn from the successes and failures of current stakeholders and, most importantly, learn to walk that fine line between being patient and demanding results.

Labels: leadership_next

Posted By: Matt Clayson and Rose Giffen to MetroMode

Matt: Well, when one titles a blog with a trite and over-used music quote, it has to be good. But, with all the good, bad and the ugly – another quote, from albeit a better movie – happening in Southeast Michigan, who can help from feeling dazed and confused about our current direction and, more importantly, our future.

Rose: Wow – that was cheesy, but pretty true. It's pretty clear – as a region, we're confused. Who should we look to as leaders, what policies are good for our future, what is the role of the city in the new economy, what is the role of the suburbs? And as a generation of new leaders, how do we become engaged and a meaningful part of any solution tackling the issues affecting our region.

Matt: So, as you see, this blog will be a little different. In an effort to spur meaningful and action oriented dialogue, Rose and I will be taking a point counter point perspective on issues and needs central to Generation X, Generation Y and Millennials; and different initiatives led by Generation X, Y and Millennials focused on addressing those issues.

Rose: Matt and I have worked together in various capacities on multiple projects. Most recently, we have been working to co-create the Leadership Next initiative with the United Way for Southeast Michigan. Though our backgrounds and experiences are different, we share a common desire for the civic, economic and social advancement of the region.

Matt: We desire a region that is confident in its future; a region that learns from and respects its past; and a region that is strategic about its growth and distribution of resources.

Rose: Matt – I think you missed something big – we want a region that is inclusive. A region that seeks solutions from many and that knows how to engage and leverage its diverse populations. I strongly believe that once you give people an opportunity to impact their community they will stay.

Matt: So, let's get down to the nitty gritty. In our next posts, we hope to talk about the following: (1) what do we believe is the problem that can be most easily addressed to attract and retain talent; (2) what Generation X, Generation Y and Millennials can do to address this problem; (3) what corporate, civic and political stakeholders can do to support Generation X, Generation Y and Millennials in addressing this problem; and (4) what is our ideal region?

More tomorrow...

Labels: leadership_next

CEOs: Off the Record with John Rakolta Jr., CEO of Walbridge Aldinger

Join Leadership Next in March for the next installment of "CEOs: Off the Record," with John Rakolta Jr., CEO of Walbridge Aldinger.

CEOs: Off the Record provides an opportunity for LN members to have a candid conversation about the issues facing our regional community today, in a relaxed setting. The event will take place on March 31 from 5:30-7 p.m.

Space is limited, so RSVP to leadershipnext@uwsem.org today!

Not yet a member of Leadership Next? Don't worry! Just go to www.uwsem.org/leadershipnext to register. Signing up is easy. You only need to believe in the potential of the region and become a United Way for Southeastern Michigan donor to complete registration.

Labels: leadership_next

Young business professionals maintain a pretty hectic pace in order to advance their company’s business objectives while building their credentials. This hectic pace is a common, justifiable barrier to volunteering in the community. To help business professionals rationalize a time commitment to community initiatives, here is a new perspective on the value of volunteering and a tip on how to do it more efficiently.

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: civic engagement, leadership_next

The mission of Leadership Next is to engage emerging leaders to create vibrant and caring communities in the Detroit region. The group is doing this by equipping these leaders with the skills, connections and environment conducive to making a positive impact in southeast Michigan. The members of Leadership Next, a United Way for Southeastern Michigan program, believe in walking the talk.

LN took a significant step toward fulfilling its mission March 4, with the announcement of plans to implement financial stability projects to help individuals and families in the area. Educational preparedness, financial stability and basic needs are the three focus areas of United Way's Agenda for Change, the organization's business plan for the next 10 years, and LN has been looking at ways to align its efforts with that work.

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: Financial Stability, leadership_next

We need young leaders. As the city's core gets 'cooler' and redevelopment heats up, so does the pressure to keep young professionals around and engaged. If the kids don't stick around, who is all of this new stuff being built for? And if they don't get opportunities to lead, why will they stick around?

More and more organizations and programs are pushing to build up the leadership base in Detroit.

Matt Clayson, 26, promotion manager for ePrize in Pleasant Ridge, is involved in a couple of efforts aimed at doing just that.

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: InTheNews, leadership_next

Leadership Next member Chris Uhl, a commercial banker at Comerica, is lending his time and talent to United Way for Southeastern as a volunteer on an important process for the organization.

As United Way moves forward its Agenda for Change for the region, requests for proposals from area organizations interested in partnering in the future are currently being reviewed. It is a painstaking process involving a core group of key volunteers -- who make a considerable commitment -- providing subject matter expertise in support of United Way staff. Uhl has stepped up and says he is excited to participate.

Click here to continue reading.

Labels: Agenda_for_Change, civic engagement, leadership_next

United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Leadership Next initiative is providing laptop computers to children across the region and around the world as part of an ambitious plan to make access to learning opportunities universal.

The One Laptop Per Child project was originally intended to provide a low-cost computer for poor children in developing countries. The effort led to the creation of the XO computer, dubbed the “$100 laptop.” OLPC proved to be such a good idea that it has attracted worldwide support, and interest from groups like Leadership Next and others seeking to help young people in their respective communities. The United Way leadership group is made up of young professionals who share an interest in improving conditions across the region.

"Leadership Next believes in the power of technology," says Julie Updyke, UWSEM Major Gifts Associate and Leadership Next coordinator. "We want to begin bridging the educational divides that we see in our region - and think that everyone in our community must have access to technology for this to be possible."

Click here to read more.

Labels: Educational_Preparedness, leadership_next, monthly enewsletter

Read: A rough headline today

I would be interested in "what was in the news" when these questions were asked of these young people. Plant closings? Strikes? Government shut downs? Those stories even get an optimist like me down about our state and region when I hear them. Who doesn't want to run from that pile of headlines? What if Brogan had asked the same questions of the same 600 18-24 year-olds on the very morning after the night that Ordonez hit his series-winning home run in Comerica Park last fall? Would the numbers would've been different? I bet.

Although Crain's does a great job of publicizing MI and DET's successes, I think that a simple historical comparison piece might also be nice sometimes to add some actual historical perspective. A lifetime resident of our city just told me that during the 1981-1982 timeframe, MI's unemployment was closer to 13% - almost double our current numbers (in any given month). The same was true in the very late 1950s when G. Mennen Williams was the governor of Michigan (this was during the last "Michigan government shutdown") -- and that was when mortgage rates of 12% were the average.

Were the late 1950s "Happy Days" (like on the sitcom)? Or were those the real "bad (economic) times" in our state/city? On the numbers alone, the answer becomes rhetorical.

I have an old friend who is a transplant to Chicago and can't wait to return "to buy an undervalued house in a neighborhood that we never could have afforded when we were growing up (in Michigan)". He (Mr. Chicago) is asking me about jobs here. Apparently that is what a daily, 2 hour, 25 mile commute to work will do to you. And that is one way.


Kevin A. S. Fanning, Esq.
Clark Hill PLC
Leadership Next member

Labels: leadership_next

Detroit vs Suburbs. Oakland vs. Macomb. Black vs. White. Young vs. Old. Union vs. Management. Republican vs. Democrat. You vs. me. And the list goes on.

Read the papers. Talk to others. The common consensus – us vs. them, them vs. us.

Leadership Next members have been doing a lot of brainstorming lately; a lot of discussing and a lot of learning. A common theme binding this brainstorming, these discussions, this learning: a need for inclusive leadership in Southeast Michigan.

Leadership that recognizes and appreciates differences; but strives for consensus and the common good of all in the region, not petty political, geographic or corporate interests. Leadership that unites, not divides. Leadership that presents, accepts and implements long term solutions to systemic problems; and leadership that has the guts to build bridges across communities, races, special interests and generations.

Promoting and encouraging a culture of inclusive leadership in Southeast Michigan, and doing so requires more than brainstorming, talking and learning. It requires strategy, partnerships, knowledge, engagement, courage.

Over the next year, Leadership Next will deep dive into the world of inclusive leadership. It will share examples of inclusive leadership that is working in the region; will offer opportunities for members to refine leadership skills; and it will promote inclusive leadership through leading by example. Humility and action will be key. Look for partnerships, events, initiatives and opportunities to further this theme.

Matt Clayson,
Chair of Leadership Next

Labels: leadership_next, regionalism

Labels: InTheNews, leadership_next

On June 20, United Way for Southeastern Michigan launched Leadership Next^SM, a group committed to moving this community forward.

They are tasked with addressing the root cause of why emerging leaders and talent leave the region and instilling a sense of community empowerment and investment within these individuals. It is their hope that Leadership Next^SM will not only groom a future generation of leaders for the United Way and region, but will also cultivate a culture of giving within emerging leaders and professionals. Click here to view photos from the event.

To learn more about Leadership Next^SM, visit www.uwsem.org/leadershipnext.

Labels: leadership_next

Source: Crain's Detroit Business
By: Sheri Begin
Published: 6:00 am, June 18, 2007

Emerging leaders don't currently feel invested in the region, and that's a problem, according to one of them.

“It's very easy to just get up and move to greener pastures” when you aren't invested, said Matt Clayson, a legal coordinator at ePrize L.L.C. in Pleasant Ridge, who's chairing a new young leaders society at United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

“We want them to stay so they build a community they want to see.”

Emerging leaders have an opportunity in Southeast Michigan, Clayson, 26, said. “There's something to build.”

United Way plans to launch Leadership Next, a new organization for under 40s, on Wednesday.

“Our goal is to increase regionalism and to bring all of the young leaders together,” said Jeanette Pierce, 26, special events coordinator for the United Way and a member of Crain's 2007 class of 20 in their 20s honorees.

Patterned after the One D collaboration of six civic groups and similar groups at United Ways across the U.S., Leadership Next plans to work with other groups from around the region to come up with volunteering, mentoring, networking and leadership training opportunities for younger adults, while engaging them in the community by making them aware of issues that affect the community and showing them how to get in touch with legislators.

Retention is the overall goal of other young professional groups, Pierce said. Leadership Next “starts them thinking in a cohesive, collaborative, regional way ... that is more effective.”

“If you have 100 people ... all digging holes in different parts of the region, they'll make a little bit of difference in a lot of places,” she said.

“If you bring them together, and they combine their efforts, they can make more impact more quickly.”

United Way by July 1 plans to pull together a committee of 10 to 15 people to set the direction for the group and to develop events in cooperation with other young professional and leadership groups to avoid duplication and have a greater impact, Pierce said.

Clayson was a good candidate to chair the new group, Pierce said.

Before joining ePrize, Clayson oversaw the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau's public information campaign to get people reconnected to Detroit before the Super Bowl and subsequently helped to develop the monthly Campus Martius street festival, Fourth Fridays.

Clayson also is very involved in the community in a number of different groups, including Detroit Synergy, Pierce said. He also was part of Crain's first class of 20 in their 20s honorees in 2006.

“He's very intelligent, has experience working regionally and was excited to be an agent for change in the region.”

One of Clayson's prerequisites for chairing the group was that it had to be more than just a networking group, he said. “For me it has to be something that advocates concrete and tangible change.”

The group will recruit members from every ethnicity and every city, focusing its efforts in United Way's Wayne, Oakland and Macomb service area, Pierce said.

“We're not going to limit this group to just 9-to-5ers. We're going to try to bring in the creative class for a different perspective,” she said. “We need all types of people to effect change in the region.”

After the group's launch, one of its first events will be a joint meeting with all the current leaders of other young professional groups to discuss together how they can work as one to move the region forward, Pierce said.

But members won't just come to meetings or networking events, she said. “This will be a deep-dive and discussion into the region's problems, issues and best ways to solve them.”

The group has already planned a team-building trip this fall to help with rebuilding efforts in New Orleans, along with its United Way counterpart in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Pierce said. It will make the trip on a flight donated by Northwest Airlines Corp.

“Rebuilding is needed everywhere, including here (in metro Detroit),” she said. “Hopefully this will inspire our young leaders to come back to this region and work harder to make a difference here.”

Sherri Begin: (313) 446-1694, sbegin@crain.com

Labels: InTheNews, leadership_next

Press Release

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Cara I. Belton, 313-226-9484 or cell, 313-520-8454
Laura L. Rodwan, 313-226-9484 or cell, 313-477-2750

United Way introduces a new program focused on strengthening tomorrow’s leaders today.

On Wednesday, June 20, 6-9 pm, United Way for Southeastern Michigan will launch Leadership Next – a new program designed to nurture, develop and bring together tomorrow’s leaders. United Way will also host a meeting that will bring together all of the leaders of existing young professional groups to one table in order to discuss how to best support the region through collaboration.

“We believe that young leaders are more regional in their thinking than any other demographic,” said Jeanette Pierce, Special Events Coordinator for United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Leadership Next is not about creating yet another young leaders group. The foundation of our approach is focused on convening the existing leadership in order to effectively shift the way that the region moves forward. Think next generation One D.”

The event will take place at McNarney’s Public House (673 Franklin in Detroit), and will feature special guest, Troy Clarke, President of GM North America, and music by The Brothers Groove. The event is open to anyone interested in making a positive impact on the community.

The vision of Leadership Next is to build a stronger future for the region by supporting emerging leaders in their efforts to improve Southeastern Michigan. Members will engage in skill-building workshops, volunteer opportunities, and networking events. The organization will achieve its goal of empowering and engaging its members by:

• Strengthening leadership skill through educational workshops
• Coordinating business, civic and community mentoring opportunities
• Developing meaningful volunteer experiences
• Organizing events that encourage cross-industry collaboration
• Supporting members in their efforts to affect public policy.

According to Matt Clayson, Chair of Leadership Next, the new organization will encourage members to take ownership in their community, connect them to opportunities in the region, and equip them with the resources to make the changes needed – in the neighborhoods and the boardrooms. “It’s a win-win situation,” said Clayson. “By tapping into our region’s potential, Leadership Next will compel talented and passionate people in Southeastern Michigan to remain and help guide it towards a brighter future.”

Businesses throughout the region are encouraged to support Leadership Next as well, as it presents them with an additional opportunity for their employees to become involved in the community. Leadership Next members will also develop and hone business skills, which will positively impact work performance.

What makes Leadership Next unique is its structure -- focusing on community impact through volunteerism, skill building and networking and its reach. United Way’s national affiliation allows it to utilize established local partnerships and to provide national and global opportunities as well. To date, over one hundred United Way agencies worldwide offer similar programs.

For more information about the Leadership Next Launch on June 20, go to www.uwsem.org/leadershipnext, or call (313) 226-9494.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

###

Labels: leadership_next, Press_Releases

Last night I attended Detroit Synergy's Idea Generation Meeting at the Wayne State Student Center. Over 100 people showed up to discuss ideas they had for the Detroit area and listen to Ann Slawnik from Wayne State's Detroit Orientation Institute talk about the importance of knowing the area in which you live.

I had the opportunity to facilitate one of the break-out groups and to hear some great ideas coming from an entire table of Synergy newcomers. Though the larger group was mostly young professionals, my table was slightly more diverse and included: Tony Smith, founder of Map Detroit; 3 young artists who developed an organization called ARC to connect art, artists and the people of Pontiac; a young mother named Maggie, who is excited to move her family downtown to the Brush Park Village North development she manages; and Tracye, who works to empower teenagers to help other teenagers.

They all have different passions and goals, but they are all emerging leaders. They are all working to add something to this region, and they're taking steps on their own to do it. It was an amazing thing to experience their combined energy.

Whatever ideas we discussed, whether it was a Detroit Family Fun Day or a Detroit Music Scene Tour, everyone was full of energy and excitement to have found a forum to not only discuss their ideas, but to make them happen too.

That's what I love about Synergy meetings: the energy that people bring to the table. Whenever I'm feeling burned out, and I'm not sure if I have the energy to get involved in another project, all I have to do is go to a Synergy meeting or event and listen to people.

Whether I talk to a newcomer who is so glad to have finally found a group of people that think Detroit is great and are doing things to make it better, or I talk to a Project Leader about how something they started 2 years ago that drew 10 people a couple times a year now draws 100 people every month, I inevitabley walk away with a renewed sense of commitment.

It reminds me that what we're doing matters, and that for every cynic I encounter there are just as many believers out there that are actually doing something positive for the region.

That energy...that renewed bounce in your step...that's comes from hope. All it takes is that little reminder that you're not alone in your struggle and that progress is being made.

It's knowing that more troops are on the way; that the emerging leaders are ready, willing and able to help. The future looks brighter because of that knowledge...and that is what hope is all about.

So, if anyone is looking for a little extra hope, I suggest attending a Detroit Synergy meeting or event.
If you want to know more about Detroit Synergy or the ideas discussed at the meeting don't hesitate to contact me at jeanette.pierce@uwsem.org or just comment below!

Labels: leadership_next

My last two entries have been building the stage for this- creating an Emerging Leaders Society in Metro Detroit- through the United Way.

Picture this: a group of thousands who care about what happens in the region, coming together, networking, volunteering, and developing their business skills together through mentoring with today’s CEOs. Through their involvement, they begin to take a “hands-on” approach to the opportunities of the region. They get direct, immediate, positive reinforcement from their investment of time and dollars. They learn business strategy and leadership skills, get board training, and volunteer at sites that resonate with their own causes.

An Emerging Leaders Society that makes people feel connected to the community and each other, and see that not only is change possible, but that they are actively involved in creating that change, could drastically change the future of the region.

We, as the United Way, would help those who will be the next generation of business and community leaders to become successful. We educate them to the needs of the region and empower them with the skills they need to impact society. If we want the area to move, then we need to provide the “movers and shakers” with the means to “move and shake.” Again, the Twin Cities have over 12,000 active members in their Emerging Leaders Society. Apparently this idea resonates with more people than just me!

The Community has already stated that they want the region to work together to move this ship forward. What a great way for the United Way to answer their call, positioning itself as a true community convener- and helping those who want to take action determine the course of Detroit. I’m pretty sure that the brain drain would reverse- a community that empowers its people to lead is an enticing, and exciting, place to live.

Julie Updyke
Campaign Associate
Resource Development

See Also

• Emerging Leaders - Part One
• Emerging Leaders - Part Two

Labels: Employee Voices, leadership_next

Last week, I attended a workshop facilitated by one of the top ten most dynamic women I’ve ever met, in my second favorite city ever- D.C. Her name is Jacinda Adams and she works for the Twin Cities United Way. Her “thing” is mobilizing emerging leaders in the community to make a tangible difference in the community. Her message resonated with me- down to the very makeup of my being.

Young people in today’s society are motivated, action-oriented, and like to see the results of their work… and like to see those results immediately. When you can find a way to engage this group, mighty big things happen. What I understand though, is that it is more than just about engaging them- it’s about truly achieving a “buy-in” and having leaders take ownership over the community and its development. The Twin Cities gets that- you should see what their 12,000 Emerging Leaders have accomplished in just the last year alone. Think- 6 million dollars and Volunteer-run “Extreme Makeovers” of area agencies that rival ABC’s Ty Pennington!

In my last entry, I mentioned how all Detroit needs is a forum that connects emerging leaders to the region and each other. Now, I know that some of this is already taking place- I see Model D as a great information network that is sharing with the region the growth and development that is happening. Detroit Synergy is more grassroots- mobilizing the involved and motivated, and Inside Detroit is physically showing people the uniqueness and goodness of the area. These groups are awesome, and necessary, but I think we can go even farther… we need something bigger- something that connects people even more- with not only the area around them, but with each other as well. I think the perfect forum is an Emerging Leaders Society through the United Way.

Picture this: a group of thousands who care about what happens in the region, coming together, networking, volunteering, and developing their business skills together through mentoring with today’s CEOs. Through their involvement, they begin to take a “hands-on” approach to the opportunities of the region. They get direct, immediate positive reinforcement from their investment of time and dollars. They learn business strategy and leadership skills, get board training, and volunteer at sites that resonate with their own causes. An Emerging Leaders Society that makes people feel connected to the community and each other, and see that not only is change possible, but that they are actively involved in creating that change, could drastically change the future of the region.

We, as the United Way, would help those who will be the next generation of business and community leaders to become successful. We educate them to the needs of the region and empower them with the skills they need to impact society. If we want the area to move, then we need to provide the “movers and shakers” with the means to “move and shake.” Again, the Twin Cities have over 12,000 active members in their Emerging Leaders Society. Apparently this idea resonates with more people than just me!

The Community has already stated that they want the region to work together to move this ship forward. What a great way for the United Way to answer their call, positioning itself as a true community convener- and helping those who want to take action determine the course of Detroit. I’m pretty sure that the brain drain would reverse- a community that empowers its people to lead is an enticing place to live.

Julie Updyke
Campaign Associate
Resource Development

See Also
Emerging Leaders - Part One

Labels: Employee Voices, Julie_Updyke, leadership_next

I moved here in June. I’ve bopped around a bit, living in New England, Ohio, Philadelphia (my favorite city!), and Louisiana over the last 5 years.

I love the awareness I have of different regions- each has such a different persona. What makes Philly and D.C. my favorites is the energy of each place- you can feel it in the air! You walk through the city and there is such hustling and bustling- you get energized just being there. The funny thing is, they have the same problems that we have here in Detroit- failing public education systems, a widening poverty gap, and the need for community action.

However, there is a dramatic difference between those cities and Detroit. I think a part of it is that the lack of public transportation makes it easier to be isolated, but its more than that. I don’t know if I can verbalize it properly- its like the people who you walk past in those cities have a bounce in their step- they are confident in the power of their region, and in the power of themselves to participate in its growth and development.

Since moving here, I’ve seen a lot of despair and doubt coming from those who are native to the area. One of the big concerns I hear is that there is a “brain drain” occurring- and that young people are fleeing the state. It seems that many don’t think that Michigan can offer what other cities can.

I don’t see it that way at all! Detroit has that energy- it just needs harnessed! Maybe its because I’m kind of an outsider, but I see so much opportunity for young people- and the harnessing of that energy- and that is truly thrilling. Where else in the country is the community primed and ready for a group of motivated, dynamic, educated, and energetic people to step up?

Southeastern Michigan is so unique, because it has the need and desire for innovative leaders to take action. All that is needed is the forum for this to take place.

Julie Updyke
Campaign Associate
Resource Development

Labels: Employee Voices, Julie_Updyke, leadership_next