The How is the What: Relational Practices for Thriving Networks

"We don't shift global systems through theoretical thinking alone; we shift them through our daily habits." - Iman Mills Gordon

Session Recap

What does it actually take to lead networks that build both internal culture and external impact? This session brings together three practitioners whose work sits at the intersection of network leadership, relational practice, and liberatory frameworks to explore that very question.

Rather than a panel or lecture, this session is designed to be the answer by grounding participants in the relational practices that make networks thrive. Through storytelling, small-group connection, and a touch of play, participants will experience firsthand how trust is built, how culture is shaped, and how those dynamics translate into more powerful collaborative work. We invite you to try these low-stakes, easy-to-integrate practices as you center connection and relationship-building

Supporting Materials

  • Show and Tell: Play Resources
  • Being Human & Making Decisions
  • Storytelling Prompt: Share a story about a transition point in your life that lead you to do what you’re doing now.
  • Taboo Game
  • Liberatory Leadership Framework: Dive deeper into the Leadership Learning Community’s (LLC) continuous Cycle of Practice, from tending the soil to harvesting and composting. Read the Full Framework.
  • Liberatory Leadership Article Series: Explore LLC’s Liberatory Leadership articles published in Nonprofit Quarterly. Read series here
  • The Power of Play: Revisit our findings on how purposeful, low-stakes play lowers emotional barriers, breaks down hierarchies, and unlocks creative, visionary thinking. Explore LLC’s Play Resources.