2009 Leadership Series:

Promoting essential principles for leadership in a changing world

Leading the Kansas City region to a green future

The business, nonprofit and government leaders of the Kansas City region make decisions that affect the livability of our communities. But, are we designing the kinds of places we will want 10, 50 or 100 years from now? The only way to ensure that our region remains the destination it is — and continues to become more vital each day — is to consider how to make our communities
sustainable.

The Academy for Sustainable Communities invites you, as a leader of the Kansas City region, to become a partner in the development of sustainable communities and participate in the academy's 2009 Leadership Series. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet in an intimate, small-group setting with some of the nation's most renowned sustainability experts. This year-long experience will enable you to formulate how you can best contribute to the improvement of the region's environment.

Series Purpose:

To provide a meaningful experience to learn about innovative thinking on sustainability and to inspire participants to take actions that improve the health, vitality and quality of life of the Greater Kansas City community.

Breakfast sessions with keynote presentation will run from 8 to 10 a.m. Locations will be listed on this Web site. Small group discussions with the speaker will take place from 10 a.m. to noon (Leadership Series participants only).

Expected Outcomes:

As a result of this training, emerging leaders will be inspired to make more sustainable decisions; build more effective, collaborative partnerships; and link local actions to ever more powerful national and regional trends in sustainability. Ultimately, this program hopes to cultivate sustainable decision making in the Kansas City region.

Who Should Participate:

This program is offered to experienced and emerging leaders from private, public and nonprofit sectors who share an interest in and passion for making our region a model of excellence, quality and livability.

Sessions:

Sustainable Vision with Bob Berkebile

March 6, 2009
10 a.m.-noon: Leadership series discussion
Location: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center

Instructor: Bob Berkebile, Principal, BNIM Architects

Sustainable Vision with Bob Berkebile: This session will introduce the principles, concepts and ethics of sustainability. Initial discussions will focus on the program structure and clarify individual expectations. The facilitated discussion will provide a basis for creating stronger visions of environmental excellence.

"Green" Agendas for America's Communities with Neal Peirce

March 27, 2009
8–10 a.m.: Peirce presentation
10 a.m.-noon: Leadership Series discussion
Location: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center

Instructor: Neil Peirce, Chairman of the Citistates Group

From energy saving to smarter water management, expanded public transit to wiser town planning and land use, the opportunities for community sustainability in deeply challenged times can't be put on a "maybe, sometime" list. They require inventive, early action. Neal will note the challenges and areas of breakthrough already being registered around the nation.

Sustainable Leadership with Margaret Wheatley

April 24, 2009
8–10 a.m.: Wheatley presentation
10 a.m.-noon: Leadership Series discussion
Location: Downtown Marriott Hotel (Count Bassie Ballroom)

Instructor: Margaret Wheatley

Living systems are formed through processes of self-organization that are distinctly different from one's leadership style of planning, control and hierarchy. We will explore the dynamics of selforganization as the means to create strong and resilient communities, where citizens are fully engaged in creating change. Discussion will focus on the role of leaders in fostering selforganization, and leadership that is sustainable over time, able to weather crises and challenges.

International Viewpoints on Sustainability with Michael Willis

Sept. 11, 2009
8–10 a.m.: Willis presentation
10 a.m.-noon: Leadership Series discussion
Location: TBA

Instructor: Michael Willis

Local government has long been urged to "Think Global, Act Local." So how do we effectively engage local communities in creating more sustainable places? Michael will draw on his international experience in local government management to show how it can be done. When it comes to sustainability, communities may need to act local before they can truly think global.

Ethics and Development: a Conversation with Joe VanBelleghem

Oct. 2, 2009
8–10 a.m.: VanBelleghem presentation
10 a.m.-noon: Leadership Series discussion
Location: TBA

Instructor: Joe VanBelleghem

Joe discovered that creating environmentally restorative structures makes economic sense for owners and for the community. But green development remains more an anomaly than the norm. Joe will explore the ethics and economics of development, drawing on his experience of successfully blending the philosophies of new urbanism, green building and smart growth.

Sustainable Solutions with Bob Mann and Bob Berkebile

Nov. 6, 2008
10 a.m.-noon: Leadership Series discussion
Location: TBA

Instructors: Bob Mann and Bob Berkebile

The final session will focus on how new sustainability concepts may be implemented and applied across the region. The discussion will review issues from design, planning, finance and institutional development, with a focus on the actions needed to take the next steps at individual, organizational and social levels.

Fee:

The fee includes all six leadership series sessions plus admittance to the breakfast events that precede the leadership series featuring our speakers.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Please contact Georgia Nesselrode for more information.

Application Options:

A $500 per person deposit must accompany the completed application. Applicants not selected to participate will be given a full refund.

 

Statement of Interest:

Please e-mail or fax a sheet that provides a short description of your interest in participating in this leadership initiative and the level of commitment you are willing to give to improve the health, vitality and quality of life of the Greater Kansas City community. (approximately 100 words)

APA/AICP CM credit pending.