Jan. 10, 2024

How to Create Powerful and Empowering Advocacy and Leadership Opportunities for the People You Serve - Episode 30

How to Create Powerful and Empowering Advocacy and Leadership Opportunities for the People You Serve - Episode 30

I had the opportunity to interview Gilda Nardone, who shared how she built a leadership and advocacy training and support system that helped her organization’s program graduates become powerful advocates on issues they care about.  A few of them even went on to run for and win local elected office, where they now influence policy as decisionmakers themselves.  Gilda recently retired from her role as the long-standing Executive Director of New Ventures Maine, and she was kind enough to share the many lessons and insights gained from developing and running that incredibly impactful system they called their Ambassador Leadership Program.  

In this episode, Gilda shares her insight and advice on:

  • Operating from an empowerment model from the start
  • How to successfully launch and grow a sustainable ambassador program
  • How to involve clients/graduates in the design of the program
  • Three key areas of skill development that help equip clients/graduates to advocate on issues they care about
  • How to help clients/graduates tell their story in a way that engages and compels
  • How to build in opportunities for clients/graduates to learn from each other and build community
  • How to create runways to advocacy and leadership opportunities beyond your organization

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, please reach out to Gilda and let her know.  You can find her on LinkedIn @Gilda Nardone.

I’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to leave a rating and review of the podcast on whatever platform you’re listening on.  Thanks!