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Starting a Local Emerging Leader Network

This guide offers some tasks and tips into getting a local emerging leader network off the ground. It usually takes three to six months of meetings and planning to overcome the initial stages of starting one from scratch. If you want to aim for a really successful Creative Conversation in October, you should start launching your network in April or May. Some networks form really fast and others take more time. Find the points below that work best for you and your community.

START SIMPLE

1. Find like-minded people. Convene a core group of committed professionals who want to work on creating a local network. Ideally, this group should represent a broad cross-section of arts and cultural organizations in your community.
2. Develop lists. Holding a happy hour event is easy, but getting the word out to your target audience is hard. Discuss ways to you can share contact information, listservs,  and newsletters to get the announcement out. People usually need a couple weeks notice about your event. 
3. Host an easy, social event. A happy hour at a local bar works well or perhaps a meet & greet at your local library, bookstore, or coffee shop. Your goal is to put the word out and see who shows up.
4. Collect information at the door. Have a sign up sheet or a bowl where people can drop their business card.
5. End with action steps. Explain what you are trying to do and why. Ask if there are people interested in helping you make it happen. Announce date/time of next event, if planned. 

FORMALIZE YOUR NETWORK

1. Create a Task Force or Steering Committee to oversee your network. You can have a chair or you can work collectively. Schedule regular planning meetings.
2. Create a listserv and/or website. Several networks use Google groups or Yahoo groups to manage their communications and PR. Some networks post their information through an organization’s website. For example, if your organization is interested and committed to serving the next generation of arts professionals, then they might be interested in having a webpage for your network.
3. Plan a programmed event. Get a speaker, pull together a panel. Consider joining forces with an art performance/exhibition or community event. Hold a book club discussion or a brown bag lunch. Bottom line: focus on having strong content.
4. Host a Creative Conversation in October. Established networks make this their signature event of the year. Make it a big splash. Send out a press release to local media.
5. Send your contact information Manager of Professional Development for the national roster of Local Emerging Leader Networks.

WAYS TAKE YOUR NETWORK TO THE NEXT LEVEL

1. Design a series of events.
2. Hold a day-long workshop or symposium. Charge a registration fee.
3. Conduct a survey: get data on what your network wants.
4. Find ways to hold forums with executive and established leaders.
5. Design a mentor program.
6. Advocate for ways to include your work on the network into your position or organization. You are helping your organization reach and serve new audiences.
7. Get elected officials involved in your issues. Host “town hall” meetings on the arts and invite council members, commissioners, and staff.
8. Find ways to get emerging leaders appointed to boards. 

GENERAL NOTES

1. Networks usually host their events for free; networks operate without a budget. Many work with various stakeholders and use “in-kind” contributions to offset expenses like room rental, staff hours, and e-blasts.
2. Networks are mostly run by emerging leaders in their spare time. Some emerging leaders work on the network as part of their job description or with the support of their supervisor. When this happens, the network is typically very active and strong because there is buy-in from above.
3. Finding the best time to hold events is always an issue. After work tends to work best. Events are usually held during the week, not weekends, but there are no hard and fast rules here. Most young professionals cannot leave work during the day.
4. Strike a balance between social events and programmed events. People want to get to know each other and network, but they also want good content. Emerging leaders tend to be really busy professionals. If they view it as worth their personal and professional time, they'll attend.
5. Be nuanced and accommodating when describing what an “emerging leader” is. Below is some text that Americans for the Arts and the Emerging Leader Council uses. Ultimately, it is a self-defined term.

The Emerging Leaders Network is designed to serve young professionals who are in the beginning stages of their careers (35 years or younger) or people who recently joined the field (less than five years experience), but Americans for the Arts welcomes people from every age range and demographic group. The only requirement is that participants have the desire to enhance their leadership capacity and the drive to develop innovative, effective, and responsible management practices.