Support for Exceptional Leadership Development

Earth Care Connection is a leading provider of support and leadership development services for professionals working to conserve the earth's resources. At the center of Earth Care Connection are some of the nation's most experienced women serving in federal, non-profit, and other spheres of conservation. Our programs respond to a recognized national need for mentoring, skill development, and networking of leaders across the traditional boundaries that often separate colleagues working in private organizations and public agencies.

Communication...A Key to Exceptional Leadership

At Earth Care Connection, we recognize that women are an important force in conservation - and we recognize the challenges all conservation leaders face today in developing satisfying careers while balancing life and family. But, it can be done, and we can help.

We start by providing support for the unique perspectives and professional skills that women bring to conservation. Then we promote interaction among all men and women in the conservation workplace - and in all places where new stakeholders for conservation can be cultivated. We've learned that opening doors and creating new communication networks builds professional confidence, new perspectives, and better conservation. All stakeholders benefit when all share a belief in open and honest communication.

The Power of Developing Community Leaders

It takes more than effective communications to assure successful leaders. ECC also focuses on building the capacity and organizational resources that harness the remarkable power of communities. We offer training programs based on our model of Exceptional Leadership for Conservation and Communities - a model built on the tenets of trust, wisdom and influence. Leadership is vital to the success of community efforts and can come from any member of the community.

Mentoring and Networking Support for Community Leaders

We have learned that even professionals who hold great promise as leaders will sometimes fail to achieve success without support. To address this concern, we have launched a nation-wide Mentoring for Conservation Partnerships program. We match established conservation leaders as mentors with emerging leaders as protégés across public, tribal and private sectors in a yearlong, facilitated, web-based program. Success stories illustrate that our unique approach provides broadened perspectives, and foster lasting relationships that strengthen the foundation of community conservation.

All ECC members can also enhance their personal network or find an informal mentor through the ECC Connection Directory feature on the Web site, as well as ask questions or gain knowledge through one of the site's interactive discussion Forums.

ECC also encourages a focus on individual leadership growth through ECC Circles. These local Circles are recurring informal gatherings providing opportunities in a community to share ideas, experiences, and concerns, meet professionals from all conservation sectors, and build personal networks for support and growth. Circle members plan and take action to address local conservation challenges and opportunities.

© Earthcare Connection 2006.