LeadershipClass Issues Initiative 2017-2018

A unique element of LeadershipClass is the execution of Issues Initiative projects performed by participant teams that positively impact the Fort Worth Community.

These carefully identified strategic projects allow all class members to gain in-depth knowledge about a specific community problem, to interact with those most involved with that issue and to connect their resources and networks to make a positive difference. 

Issues of concern in the community are identified in conjunction with the mayor and other content experts. Teams of (8-12 depending on class size) class members work together throughout the program year using a structured approach to develop solutions that will ultimately be presented to key community stakeholder audiences and the LFW Forum membership.

THE GOALS

The goals of the LFW Issues Initiatives are to complete high-impact projects that:

• Augment a local non-profit’s staffing with talented volunteer resources that help them address an issue that they could not otherwise tackle
• Establish clear objectives and specific, tangible outcomes that will clearly benefit the community
• Deliver solutions that are data-based (research component)
• Engage external resources (sources from class member networks) in a meaningful way
• Provide knowledge transfer of the solution, including key steps for sustainability, to the non-profit and its key stakeholders

THE CHALLENGE 

What will be different in our community because of each Issues Initiative project?Is the plan realistic? Are the results tangible? Will the results stick?

CREATING A RESILIENT AND TRAUMA-AWARE COMMUNITY: Mental Health Connection

The problem:  Trauma is pervasive in the lives of individuals and communities. Consequences include illness, reduced income, crime, job loss, etc.

Innovative intervention:  Created comprehensive communication plan to reach key community stakeholders; piloted with selected stakeholders. Created ambassador program to engage the business community.

RECRUITING LOCAL FOSTER CARE FAMILIES: Our Community. Our Kids. (A division of ACH Services)

The problem:  An inadequate number of local families is signing up as foster parents, so children have to move to different cities.

Innovative intervention:  Created a customizable video for recruiting families; developed an improved strategy / toolkit for recruiting local foster parents; developed training materials and piloted them with foster agency recruiting staff.

PREVENTING FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION: Guardianship Services

The problem:  Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults is a largely silent problem in Tarrant County. Until recently, perpetrators were rarely prosecuted.

Innovative intervention:  Created infrastructure for tracking client / community contacts. Engaged banks through a targeted communication plan.

OVERCOMING MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE VETERAN WORKFORCE: Fort Worth Veteran Professionals

The problem: Highly qualified veterans experience difficulty in obtaining jobs because many employers hold multiple stereotypes.

Innovative intervention: Created and piloted a high-level employer presentation and handout materials including a customizable brochure

COMMUNITY-WIDE BOARD TRAINING/BOARD BANK: Leadership Fort Worth and United Way

The problem:  No ongoing, community-wide program is in place to recruit and train emerging, diverse leaders for nonprofit board service.

Innovative intervention:  Developed complete business plan for an online nonprofit board training / board bank; created outlines of seven training modules; developed relationship with Four Day Weekend for delivering the training

To learn more about our LeadershipClass program, please visit.