Leading a board is often challenging and even sometimes lonely work, but now it doesn’t have to be. Two former Philanos board chairs, Laura Midgley and Virginia Mills, have designed and will co-lead “A Table for Chair ” or "ATFC". This program is intended to build a cohort of board chairs who can rely on one another and through the facilitation of Laura and Virginia, build a trusted circle of peer-to-peer mentors.

Open to Board chairs only – or “presidents”, if that’s the title used in your organization – “A Table for Chairs” will be limited to the first 15 members who apply (If you are a co-chair leader, please select only one person from your affiliate to apply).

Unlike other drop-in Philanos programs open to all, “A Table for Chairs” asks for a pledge for regular attendance of the monthly 90-minute facilitated meetings. ATFC uses a cohort model so it is regular attendance that is the foundation for building trust and solidarity for confidential conversations. Your presence and participation is what makes it work. This is your chance to focus on YOU!

Together, Virginia and Laura have more than 45 years of collective giving experience. They co-founded this network alongside Colleen Willoughby. Each chaired Philanos in its early years, as well as numerous roles leading their local collective giving organizations and other nonprofit boards.

As co-leaders, they will offer support for confidential leadership issues. Much of Philanos’ learning is centered on ideas and problem solving; however, “A Table for Chairs” will help identify areas for personal growth and provide resources for troubleshooting leadership and organizational problem solving and enhancing your skills and critical thinking as a leader. You will experience all this as well as a “table” with joy and positive energy!

We will hold 8 monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month, beginning September 14, 2023 3:00-4:30 PM ET (skipping December) through May 9, 2024.

Fifteen Chairs have committed to participate in the A Table For Chairs Cohort #2. 

What A Table for Chairs Participants are Saying:

• This group has been really valuable for me... I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started something smart with “in my AFTC meeting I heard…”
• “I want you to know how incredibly valuable the “A Table for Chairs” leadership sessions have been for me. The sessions have been brilliant, the facilitation flawless, and the connections invaluable. I’m so disappointed they are ending soon! I can’t thank Philanos enough for making this program available to their affiliates.”
• "My favorite thing about ATFC is having a support system and idea-generation."
• "I value having a group of women who understand my challenges as a giving circle leader and can offer help for specific challenges."