Leading Together in Complex Times
A Systems Thinking Cohort for Nonprofit Boards & Executives
Today’s nonprofit challenges are complex, persistent, and rarely solved with quick fixes. This cohort supports boards and executive leaders learning together to see their organization as a system—and lead change that lasts.
5-month Cohort (May - September 2026)
8 in-person sessions, 1:00 – 4:00 pm Mountain Time
Habitat for Humanity Tucson Office
3501 N Mountain Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
8 in-person sessions, 1:00 – 4:00 pm Mountain Time
Habitat for Humanity Tucson Office
3501 N Mountain Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
This is an in-person workshop. There is no virtual attendance option.
Sponsored by Vitalyst Health Foundation
Who Should Participate
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Leadership teams including:
- CEO / Executive Director
- Board Chair or Officer
- 1–2 additional senior or volunteer leaders
- Minimum of 2 participants per organization
- (CEO/ED required)
Program Snapshot
- Duration: 5 months [May - September]
- Format: Regular in-person sessions + coaching
- Sessions:
- 3-hour cohort meetings
- Coaching session between meetings available
- Schedule (All sessions are Wednesdays):
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| 13 May 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00pm MT |
| 10 June 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00pm MT |
| 24 June 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00pm MT |
| 15 July 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00pm MT |
| 29 July 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00pm MT |
| 19 August 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00pm MT |
| 26 August 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00pm MT |
| 9 September 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00pm MT |
What You’ll Gain
Participants will:
- Apply the Habits of a Systems Thinker to real leadership work and strategic planning.
- Use practical systems thinking tools for strategic planning and change
- Strengthen alignment between boards and executive leadership
- Identify leverage points to break down silos and address root causes
- Design and lead a systems-informed change effort
- Collaborate with your peer network in our nonprofit community
How It Works
- Each organization enters with 2–3 current challenges
- Teams select one focus area for deeper exploration
- Learning is immediately applied to your organization
- The experience culminates in a capstone presentation demonstrating impact
What We’ll Explore
- The Habits of a Systems Thinker
- Iceberg Model & Behavior Over Time Graphs
- Mental Models & Ladder of Inference
- Systems Archetypes (e.g., Fixes That Backfire, Shifting the Burden)
- Stock & Flow Thinking
- Facilitating systems thinking in your organization
Coaching & Recognition
- One coaching session included with registration
- Additional coaching available ($250/hour)
- Eligibility for the Waters Center for Systems Thinking Recognition Program
Investment
- $1500 per team (2 leaders)
- Additional participants: $300/person from the same organization
- Grant or sponsorship options may be explored
Scholarship Details
There is a limited number of matching-funds (up to $750) scholarships available, based on need, on a first-come, first-served basis. All scholarship recipients must meet all qualifications:
- Annual budget under $1 Million
- All participants commit to attend all workshop meetings
- Participate in the provided coaching session
Informational Zoom Session
There will be an informational Zoom session where you can learn more about the program and ask questions on April 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM MST.
Register Your Team
Spots are limited. A minimum of 5 teams is required to launch the cohort.
📩 Questions: Rose Snyder (rosesnyderconsulting@gmail.com), David Mandel (David.Mandel@waterscenterst.org)
📩 Questions: Rose Snyder (rosesnyderconsulting@gmail.com), David Mandel (David.Mandel@waterscenterst.org)
Total Cost: $1500
Thanks for registering!
We are looking forward to welcoming your team to the Leading Together in Complex Times Systems Thinking Cohort for Nonprofit Boards & Executives.
Please check your inbox for your confirmation email. If you need assistance, feel free to email david.mandel@waterscenterst.org with any questions.
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