Relationships

Relationships categorizes the line of services we offer to the local leadership foundations (LLFs) where the “value-add” is in the collective community of the membership, and the introduction and brokering of partner relationships to the membership. 

Spiritual Community
LF as a network provides prayer, direction, mentoring and encouragement to sustain the needed spiritual life for the work of LLFs.  The unique role a LLF plays in its city can be a difficult and lonely place, and the network of LLFs support each other in a very unique way.

Strategic Community
LLFs meet during the year to build regional community, vision and strategy throughout the world.  Senior Associates, or LLF veterans, are organized to support overall development and growth of developing and established LLFs throughout the world.  Developing LLFs are mentored by LF staff and existing LLFs to receive coaching and technical assistance as they begin building an organization that will transform their cities.

Accreditation
Consistent standards of accountability within our network provide a platform to institutionalize our commitment to excellence.  The LF accreditation process is the tool that allows the growing network to effectively carry out this commitment.  This peer review process began in 1996 and is based on the university accreditation model.  The value added to the network can be demonstrated by the scope and scale of the work of fully accredited members. The LF Standards for Accreditation list core competencies and requirements of members in the network. Adherence to these standards serves to benchmark and frame our commitment to excellence, reinforcing the LF values, mission and brand.

The primary purpose of accreditation is to support and encourage members in carrying out their mission, their strong performance of the three functions of an LLF, and maintaining competent to excellent levels in the eight core capabilities of an LLF to perform these functions.  Members give and receive objective counsel regarding the effectiveness of their organization, the desire to improve and the capacity to do so. The process offers opportunity to review, document and discuss all and any significant parts of the organization, utilizing the experience of peers to challenge and champion the work. Evidence of standards that include evaluation, outcome measures, future plans and transparency will enhance trust with stakeholders and foster strategic partnerships, vital for city transformation.