Kristin Brown introduced Jennifer Moran, Director of Leadership Evanston, a friend and neighbor and lifelong Evanstonian who is very active in the community. Jennifer raised three children in Evanston, was involved in Early Childhood Education early in her career, and is now in her third year as the director of Leadership Evanston.

 

Jennifer explained that Leadership Evanston (LE) is an experiential program for a diverse group of 30 individuals who live and/or work in Evanston. Participants meet one day a month for 10 months. The program starts with a two-day seminar at Northwestern University. Basically, participants gather, learn, question, and engage. The entire city of Evanston serves as their lab and practice space. She also mentioned several members of the club familiar with the program: Charlotta Koppanyi as an alumna and Linda Gerber and Karena Bierman as current participants.

 

Jennifer described the activities undertaken by LE participants as follows: They practice leadership skills, including creative problem solving, collaboration, conflict resolution, consensus building, advocacy and visioning. They learn about Evanston to broaden and deepen their understanding of its assets and challenges. And they build a network of relationships and work together to strengthen the community.

 

Jennifer elaborated on the community conversations that take place with various entities and stakeholders around Evanston from the high school to government entities and businesses sharing personal stories.  LE collaborates with many entities in Evanston, such as Northwestern University, the Dance Center of Evanston, and Temperance Beer Co. These entities provide space and resources for meetings and team building activities where the participants can engage in conversations with Evanston leaders from all sectors.

 

The participants are divided into five teams of six participants each. Each team focuses on an issue of local importance identified by the class. Participants are usually placed in a team dealing with an issue about which the participant does not know a lot. This facilitates the generation of diverse ideas from different perspectives. The process and the experience of working in a small group of emerging leaders is a critical focus.

 

The projects vary widely. Jennifer shared a few examples of projects originated from LE that were adopted and implemented by various entities in Evanston. Project EMERGE was implemented by the high school. Project OUR HOUSE, dealing with homelessness, also came from LE. OUR HOUSE partners with Curt’s Café and provides housing and life skills to young men. This year, project DEAR EVANSTON, dealing with violence in Evanston and using social media as a tool, is being implemented.

 

Jennifer noted that sometimes in addition to projects, it is about the process of getting things done regarding issues facing the community. Participants talk with all leaders across Evanston and the program is relationship driven.

 

Charlotta Koppanyi shared her experiences with the LE program and mentioned that her project, which is related to Arts and Business, made recommendations to the city of Evanston officials and aspects of the recommendations will be implemented.

 

The program cost is $1,500, including $100 non-refundable registration fee. The tuition covers allaterials, facilitators, and meals. The tuition may be paid by participants or by their employers or sponsoring organizations. Payment plans and scholarships are also available. LE makes every effort to make sure qualified candidates can participate.

 

More information about Leadership Evanston can be found on its website. 

 

 

 

Larry Stoler, guest of Steve Goranson

 

 

Lesley Peters, March 23

 

 

Chuck Bartling, 20 years

 

 

Greeters: Sam Lovering and Jackie Mack

 

 

Scribe: Lesley Peters

 

Meeting set-up: Marisa Naujokas and Bill Vernon

 

Breakdown: Bruce Baumberger and Jacob Bachman