Summary - Reflect. Relate. Reimagine: Stories That Inspire, Connections That Last

Every leader has stories to tell. The question is whether those stories create connection, inspire action, and mobilize others around what matters most—especially in a moment when nonprofits and funders are being asked to do more, together, with greater impact.

Join nonprofit, foundation, education, and social sector leaders for a highly interactive, in-person experience designed to deepen connection and sharpen the stories that move people to act.

Throughout the day, you will engage with peers in meaningful dialogue and guided reflection, exploring how intentional connection builds trust, strengthens partnerships, and fuels collective impact. You will also learn and practice a clear, practical storytelling approach to help translate your organization’s work into narratives that resonate with stakeholders, influence decision-making, and inspire sustained support.

Designed for leaders who value both strategic insight and authentic exchange, this experience creates space to step back from day-to-day demands, connect with others facing similar challenges, and rethink how you lead, communicate, and collaborate.

You will leave with:

New relationships across the nonprofit and philanthropic community
A practical framework for crafting and delivering compelling stories
Greater clarity on how to use connection and narrative to advance your mission

There is nothing more powerful than people united by purpose.

Across the social sector, leaders are navigating increasing complexity without simple answers. Community needs continue to grow while resources remain stretched, making our ability to connect, collaborate, and communicate more important than ever. There’s nothing more powerful than people with purpose.

Leadership is not a solo act; it emerges when people create direction, alignment, and commitment together. At the center of that process is connection—and storytelling remains one of the most effective ways to build it.

The stories we choose to tell shape how others understand our mission, our impact, and our vision for the future. They help build trust, foster belonging, and inspire people to move from understanding to action.

This gathering creates space to reflect on your leadership, strengthen meaningful connections, and develop practical storytelling skills to engage others with clarity and purpose. Together, we will explore how connection and story enable stronger leadership, deeper collaboration, and greater impact for the communities we serve.

This is a working session designed to be practical, engaging, and grounded in research. You can expect:

Evidence-based insights on connection and storytelling
A clear framework for shaping and communicating your organization’s story
Hands-on experience with two of CCL's newest tools for individual and organizational leadership
Guided activities applicable to your team or board
Meaningful conversation with peers across the social sector
Practical approaches to maintain clarity and resilience amid uncertainty

You’ll leave with practices you can apply immediately.

Wednesday, September 23

Welcome & Framing
We begin by grounding in the realities nonprofit leaders are navigating today. Together, we’ll surface your pressures, responsibilities, and hopes. We’ll introduce connection and story as leadership practices and establish how we'll reflect and learn.
Connection
We define connection as essential to leading wellbeing at work and establishing trust across real or perceived boundaries. Together, we will explore ways we can enhance and grow connection to create impact internally and in our communities.
Lunch
An intentional pause for connection and informal conversation.
Storytelling
Examine the elements of organizational stories and how we use them to engage, inspire, and increase impact. Strengthen your ability to communicate purpose and strategy with clarity and authenticity.
Next Steps: The Story You’re Choosing to Move Forward
The day concludes with integration and action. Identify one narrative shift, one conversation, or one practice to carry forward, connecting insight to how you intend to lead next.