Grassroots Organizations Promoting Better
Leadership and Management in
Government
There are a number of grassroots non-profit organizations, communities of practice,
communities of purpose, that are working to build a better government by improving
leadership and management at all levels. The annotated list below is not
comprehensive but highlights a number of groups founded by government employees that are doing interesting and
useful work.
A group of mid-level Federal Government leaders who are committed
to promoting effective leadership in the federal government, advancing
meaningful discussion and inquiry of federal leadership issues, and supporting
fellow members in their professional growth and career development.
Senior Fellows and Friends is an evolving multi-sector network that is convened
periodically by a U.S. Department of Education employee. Programming and
participants have varied widely since 2003. "Senior Fellows" are graduates of
the Council for Excellence in Government's Fellows Program who have opted in.
"Friends" are equally valued others who want to participate in improving
government by engaging in constructive conversation.
Community of purpose committed to aligning with "Government leaders in reshaping
their organizations to create environments where citizens are served, employees
thrive and excellence is a way of life." Their members come from more than
15 Federal Agencies. They published the article
The Leadership Dilemma in a Democratic Society
and also offer
cost-effective
training,
coaching and other services to public sector leaders.
New initiative to build a public university to train civil servants,
modeled after the U.S. military academies. Inspiring proposal with
tremendous long-term potential for improving coordination between all levels of
government. Check out their
web site or download a
PDF of their proposal.
Phenomenally successful online community of practice that enables U.S. Army
company commanders to share real world experiences and practices to help
colleagues facing similar challenges. Originally started as a grassroots
web site by two company commanders who saw value in sharing ideas. The
secrets of success are nicely outlined in the book,
Company Command: Unleashing the Power of the Army Profession.
Interagency group of relatively new Federal employees. Their
mission is to "educate, inspire, and transform the future leaders of the Federal
Government through professional development activities, networking
opportunities, social events and seminars."
