Leadership Tips

How to Write a Good Letter To The Editor
A one-page handout on how to effectively write a publishable Letter to the Editor. 

The Art of KFTC Strategy
This document outlines the eleven powerful principles behind our winning strategies. 

Media Do's and Dont's
It is likely that as a KFTC Leader you will, at one time or another, be asked to speak with a member of the press. This  tipsheet will help you be prepared and effective when explaining issues and answering questions. 

Facilitation Tips
This is a tipsheet that outlines how to succesfully facilitate and lead group learning.  It also provides a list of common challenges a facilitator might face, along with helpful suggestions for moving past these obstacles. 

Effective Lobbying
A  document filled with tips on how to make your voice heard in Frankfort! 

Conversations With A Purpose
Strong relationships are a key to building powerful, lasting grassroots organizations. This  document offers pointers on initiating meaningful conversations and building strong relationships with community members. 

Asking For Donations
This document provides helpful tips on how to approach KFTC supporters and ask for donations. 

Workshop Designs

Why Organize?
A workshop design useful for a group of people who have just formed or joined a community organization.  It is especially valuable for those who have not been part of an organization and have very little experience organizing.

How to Run a Meeting
This design helps participants facilitate an effective meeting

Recruiting Members
This workshop helps participants  increase their confidence, skill and level of commitment to building a more diverse and active membership.

Planning a Press Conference
A workshop designed to help participants  plan and prepare for a press conference
 
Designing a Workshop
A document that  outlines the process for designing an effective and succesful workshop. 

Book Reviews

Walk into any bookstore and you will find an overwhelming selection of books on leadership. Most are aimed at a business audience. While some contain important insights for community organizations, few people have the time (or money) to plow through them to find what is useful.  Below are short reviews of a selection of books about leadership. Perhaps some will spark your interest and lead you to books that will support your personal growth and exploration of leadership.

The Fifth Discipline, by Peter Senge

The Art of the Long View, by Peter Schwartz

Getting To Yes, by Roger Fisher, William Ury and Bruce Patton

Getting Past No, by William Ury

Frames of Mind,  by Howard Gardner

Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goldman

Ella Baker Freedom Bound, by Joanne Grant

Difficult Conversations, by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen and Roger Fisher

Becoming a Leader, by Warren Bennis

Links To Organizations

Below you will find links to some community organizations and training programs that are committed to developing grassroots leaders for social change. 

Virginia Organizing Project

Center for Third World Organizing

Southern Empowerment Project 

Highlander Research and Education Center

Rockwood Leadership Program

Crossroads Ministries (Dismantling Racism)  

Center for Community Change

Southern Echo 

Project South