In 2007, Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) sponsored a one-day summit for emerging Native nonprofit leaders as part of our annual institute conference. This gathering brought together Circle of Leaders participants, as well as emerging leaders of programs sponsored by Americans for Indian Opportunity, The Cherokee Preservation Foundation, First Nations Development Institute, Hopi Foundation and others.  From this educational experience the inspiration for a National Leadership Network took place.

From these experiences, it has become clear that the mainstream notion of leadership as “an individual who influences change” is shortsighted. Certainly, individuals need the opportunity, training, nurturing, and coaching, but the ability of individual leaders to contribute to collective leadership (as it has existed in Native communities since the beginning) has become the banner under which NAP promotes change.

Through NAP’s new strategic plan, the board of directors affirmed leadership development as a priority strategy for the future. Operating the Circle of Leaders program, convening partner dialogues, and linking to national learning circles has given us valuable experience and understanding of leadership development on the ground and at higher levels.

It has become the belief of NAP that developing and nurturing an intentional network of leaders working together can add value to Native leadership and capacity-building programs that usually operate in silos, which typically means “re-inventing the wheel,” duplicating tools and processes, and rarely learning from each other. For NAP this NLN will align with emerging hubs of Native-focused philanthropy, in regions where there is a critical mass of our members, foundations, and Tribes and Tribal entities.

For more information on the NNLN please contact Daniel Lemm via e-mail at dlemm@nativephilanthropy.org