The CBO Center’s Peer Circles for Leaders program allows executive directors to participate in small, professionally facilitated, confidential peer groups that meet monthly for 9 months, to help participants solve work-related organizational, management, and conceptual problems. This summer we are launching a circle specifically for founders and long-time leaders.

This 9-month peer group is designed to help executive directors think about and work through the many issues and challenges related to preparing themselves and their organizations for the (inevitable) day when they move on. Based on an action-learning process, a peer circle is composed of five or six executive directors who are committed to helping each other meet real-life challenges.

Criteria for participation: 

• Applicants must be executive directors of nonprofit organizations serving Alameda and/or Contra Costa County, and must have been in their positions for a minimum of 7 years. This group is specifically intended for long-time leaders who are thinking about transitioning out of their role in the next 1-5 years.
• You must be able to commit to attending all nine sessions for your circle. Each monthly session lasts three hours.
• Experience has proven that circles work best when participants manage organizations of similar size, and when their missions are different enough that they don’t directly compete for funding.

Cost: The cost is $300 for nine sessions. Included in the cost is a workbook and light refreshments. Payment in full is required prior to the first session.

Timing:  The groups meet monthly for three hours each month. The time and dates of the monthly meetings are determined once a circle is formed, with input from the participants.

Please return this application via This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  and mail a hard copy to Liz Callahan, executive director, The CBO Center, c/o CSUEB Concord Campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord, CA 94521. 

Liz Callahan, ACC, will facilitate the Peer Circle for Founders.  If you have questions about the Peer Circle for Founders, please contact Liz Callahan at (925) 602-6760.