Leadership Cohort Program

Purpose:

The purpose of the Leadership Cohort is to replicate the relational DNA of the Christian Community Development Association in each generation of CCDA practitioners and members.  It is often noted that CCDA founders are like family to one another. As the association grows, the desire is to maintain the relational connection not only with founders and veterans but among practitioners.  

The Leadership Cohort was founded to pass on relational DNA and exposure to the history of the association from founders and veterans to younger generations and to build strong, deep relational ties across the nation that will continue to undergird and expand the association. A learning community will be established among the cohort members and the opportunity to connect on a regular basis with CCD national leaders will be available; however, this program is not academic in nature, nor is it specifically a mentoring program.

Program Design:

The CCDA Leadership Cohort – Cohort #8 – is designed to bring together CCD practitioners (ages 40+) who are demonstrating leadership in their local communities and beyond.  CCDA hopes that each Cohort will become a new band of diverse friends—much like the original founders of CCDA—who are shaped by connections with CCDA national leaders and founders, as well as  peer-to-peer relationships.  

The program includes 4 Required “Retreats” and 2 Required Conferences.  

As outlined below, the first and final “retreats” will have a stronger relational focus and thereby slightly more relaxed schedule.  The second and third “retreats” will have a more intense schedule and will focus on learning with active participation and practical application.

Retreat #1:  California

July 9-12, 2019

Focus:  Personal Relationships & Leadership Strengthening

Goals:

• Establishing relationships with cohort members and facilitators
• Gaining a better understanding of personal leadership style and how that style plays out in ministry and in community
• Gaining a better overall understanding of CCD principles and leadership style practice

Retreat # 2:  Jackson

March 10-13, 2020

Focus:  History & Heritage

Goals:

• Deepening relationships within the cohort
• Gaining an understanding of the genesis of CCDA
• Remembering the heritage and history of CCDA through the pilgrimage of Dr. Perkins and his passion for reconciliation
• Providing peer learning opportunities regarding reconciliation
• Discussing Project(s) for C8 and Cohort experience going forward

Retreat # 3: DC/Baltimore

Sept. 8-11, 2020

Focus: Theology, Advocacy, & Training

Goals:

• Deepening relationships within the cohort
• Exploring CCDA theology through peer learning and leading
• Training and practice in Advocacy
• Training to become a CCDA trainer

Retreat # 4: Chicago

March 8-11, 2021

Focus:  CCD Practical Application

Goals: 

• Deciding how Cohort members will journey together outside of the official program
• Gaining practical neighborhood engagement skills and tools for adapting CCD principles in a changing context through peer learning and leading
• Training in board development
• Exposure to organizations utilizing and adapting CCD principles

*Program includes optional quarterly video conference calls with CCDA national leaders (board members, founders, trainers, etc)

Program Outputs:

• Trained as a trainer for CCDA; eligible to train Intensives and Cafes
• Quarterly video conference calls with CCDA national leaders (board, founders, trainers, etc)
• Board development training
• Advocacy training & legislative visits
• Leadership training

Requirements

• Age 40+
• Active membership in CCDA
• Serving in a primary leadership capacity with a CCDA church/organization or a local community organization, i.e. Pastor, Executive Director, Regional Director
• Have a history of participating in CCDA events or activities (i.e. attending the National Conference, Immersion).
• Nominated/referred by a CCDA member or member organization
• Minimum 2 years of involvement with CCDA
• Completion of CCDA’s Immerse online course series
• Characterized as a person “above reproach” (I Tim. 3:1-10).

Financial Information:

Participating in the Cohort will be a financial investment.  We encourage applicants to request support from their churches, communities, CCDA Local Networks, and employers for this program.  Each Cohort member is required to pay the following:

• $960 Leadership Cohort fee (goes towards the cost of lodging and food for the four retreats)
• Travel costs to the four retreats
• Travel, room, & board costs for the two National Conferences
  • National Conference registrations will be complimentary for the 2 years of the program.