DVULI’s Goal of Building Collaborative Leaders 

by Eileen Kooreman, PhD, Contributor

Research and common sense tell us that young people do not grow up in programs but in families, schools, churches, and neighborhoods. Essentially, it takes many individuals and organizations working together to create an environment where youth can flourish. 

From the beginning, the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative (DVULI) recognized the high value of working together. Initial focus groups identified a sense of isolation in ministry, a lack of resources, and a shortage of committed leaders. This is why DVULI chose interdependence as one of the strategic core values for urban youth leaders. 

God’s Design for Community 

Working together with others is a crucial part of God’s design for our communities. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s message is clear—we are made in his image, and based on Christ’s transforming work in us, we are to live in restored, open, trusting relationships that allow us to live and work together. 

Most of us agree that working together has great value, but there is often a gap between our stated values and the actual practice of collaboration. Many things still prevent collaboration, such as the need for quick action, the time and effort required for meetings and communication, and the potential for conflict due to diverse leadership styles. However, collaboration involves hands-on skills that can be learned. 

Collaborative Leadership Requires a Skill Set 

Collaborative leaders exhibit six specific skills. If you have been through the DVULI training, you will recognize these skills embedded in the program.

Six Skills of a Collaborative Leader: 

1. They exhibit self-awareness and self-reflection. 
2. They can build trust with others. 
3. They spend time developing the gifts of others. 
4. They take time to assess their environment. 
5. They can help others build clarity of vision and mobilize a plan. 
6. They are willing to share power and influence for the greater good. 

Early DVULI Challenges and Solutions 

In the early years of DVULI, there was an assumption that a team of leaders committed to serving urban youth would develop trusting relationships with each other while participating in the program. Training Toolkits were provided, and grant money was set aside for group projects. However, most of the grant money went unused. The DVULI team tried various incentives, but the number of partnerships using DVULI grants was disappointing. 

Eventually, DVULI created a network of liaisons (all alumni) to walk alongside DVULI alumni post-graduation. DVULI liaisons provide ongoing learning opportunities, coaching, and encouragement to work together. They maintain long-term relationships with alumni from a maximum of three cities, offering support, further training, refreshers, and encouragement to leaders continuing to serve youth. 

Supporting Alumni and Building Networks 

Liaisons help alumni develop partnerships and networks in multiple ways. They support the process along the journey. For example, Jeremy Del Rio (New York 2010) began by sharing the idea of School Partners USA with like-minded DVULI alumni. They met, talked, and prayed about the idea, and the vision began to take shape. 

Jeremy contacted his DVULI liaison and discussed the possibility of receiving a grant for the project. While the project didn’t fit an exact grant category, DVULI was excited by the idea and willing to work with the leadership team Jeremy had put together. The liaison recognized the potential and trusted that, as DVULI alumni, they all believed in making a greater impact together. 

Implementing a program like SPUSA doesn’t happen overnight. The leadership team had to bring together a variety of skill sets that complemented each other. Each leader adopted a delivery plan that fit the culture of their city. Along the way, Jeremy’s liaison provided a listening ear, asked challenging questions, shared ideas, and made suggestions for using DVULI resources and materials. The first round experienced unforeseen challenges, but the team came together to do an After-Action Review and set the course for the following year. As time went on, the leaders became more confident, and trust between them grew along with practical experience. 

 

3 Steps to Start Collaborating in Your City: 

If you would like to work with others in your city to build up and support leaders who are serving urban youth, start with the basics. 

1. Gather Interested People: Gather people who may be interested in working with you. Share your idea, but be genuinely open to feedback from others. Host a meal, build relationships, and pray together for guidance. Build a bond around your love for the city and kids. 

2. Start with a Simple Project: Consider doing a simple project first, like bringing Leading for Life or Community Avengers to your city. This will help you determine the skills in your leadership team, what skills are missing, and who will follow through to completion. You may need to do another simple project based on what you learn. Click here, log in, and learn more about our Excellence in Leadership Grants for alumni.

3. Dream Big with a Solid Team: When you are ready for a more complex project and have a solid leadership team, invite others from your city to join your team and dream big! Your liaison can help every step of the way. There are some resources that are ready-made for you to get started, or you can design your own. Just reach out to your liaison for assistance. Click here, log in, and learn more about our Excellence in Leadership Grants for alumni.