We know 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 Chairs”. This pilot 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 (no more than one per affiliate). Unlike other drop-in Philanos programs open to all, “A Table for Chairs” will ask for a regular commitment from cohort members to attend monthly 90-minute facilitated meetings. We anticipate that this program will run monthly from September through April (skipping December).

We ask that potential participants submit 1-2 paragraphs about why this concept appeals to you and what you hope to get out of it. Please do not submit your interest unless you can realistically commit to regular meetings on the second Thursday of the month, beginning September 8 noon-1:30PT/3-4:30ET.

As co-leaders, Laura and Virginia will offer support for confidential leadership issues. Much of Philanos is centered on ideas and problem solving, however “A Table for Chairs” will help identify areas for growth and provide resources for troubleshooting leadership and organizational problem solving, however, “A Table for Chairs” will help identify areas for growth and provide resources for troubleshooting leadership and organizational problem solving, particularly within the network.  We believe that by being a part of a national group of dynamic and motivated peers, participants can further develop their leadership skills with input from the group as well as be rejuvenated by the camaraderie of their cohort.