Article written by David Cournoyer, Board Chair 

One by one, they went around the circle introducing themselves and explaining their commitments to Native communities.

"My philosophy is to be of service," said one participant. "To my community, my tribe, and to you."

Others pointed to powerful traditions of generosity and responsibility they first learned from parents and grandparents.

"I read this textbook about philanthropy," said another. "And the main thing that occurred to me was that "We're already doing this!"

On January 20, 2005 Native Americans in Philanthropy launched the Circle of Leadership, a program to support building Native participation in philanthropy through career building of Native people and developing Native models of giving and service. Developed in partnership with several different organizations in the Twin Cities, the program's initial costs are underwritten by a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation.

"Thank you for joining this circle," said Cecelia Martinez, a consultant who has coordinated the program's development. "Many people have contributed their input to help this take shape. Now we all look forward to supporting you in your journey over the next 18 months."

The first 10 participants in the Circle of Leaders Program come from three different states, representing multiple tribal affiliations and diverse professional backgrounds. Participants include nonprofit organization and foundation board members, tribal educators and a social services worker, fundraising officers, government employees working in health and community development, and an economic and workforce development specialist. Participants have all gone through an application and selection process.

"It is becoming increasingly evident that we have to break down distinctions between the not-for-profit, for-profit, and government sectors," said Cris Stainbrook, president of the Indian Land Tenure Foundation. "We really can unleash greater resources if we can find a way to work together."

The Circle of Leadership program will promote collaboration across sectors and across tribes through regular sessions in skill-building, special experiences and discussion, and peer learning. A network of mentors will provide on-going support and first-person experience about their daily challenges and successful lessons.

Native Americans in Philanthropy is piloting this leadership development program in the Midwest with the intention of sharing program components with members in the Southwest and Northwest, according to executive director Joy Persall. As a first step, the Circle of Leadership will coordinate activities with a similar Twin Cities-based community leadership project of the American Indian Family Empowerment Program.

For the inaugural meeting, participants were joined by board members of Native Americans in Philanthropy, tribal foundation representatives and community members.

"This work is hard," said Jo-Anne Stately, an NAP board member, as she presented gifts of woven sweetgrass and wild rice to the participants. "We're dealing with challenges and people who often have different views than we do. But together, we can succeed."