The second national gathering of KLCC Session II fellows will be held July 12-15, 2007. The location of the meeting will be announced at a later date. Fellows, coaches, evaluators, project leads and others affiliated with the KLCC programs at the five program sites will convene to exchange lessons learned, explore new collective leadership ideas and discuss sustainability in the years ahead. For more information contact Karma Ruder of the KLCC Coordinating Organization at 206- 328-3020.

The KLCC Coordinating Organization has joined forces with the Leadership Learning Community to host a Collective Leadership Conference April 8-11, in Baltimore, MD. KLCC’s own Karma Ruder, Dale Nienow and Teri Behrens are part of the conference planning committee, which includes LLC Executive Director Deborah Meehan. Additional information will be provided in the March edition of the KLCC Bridge. For more information about the Leadership Learning Community, visit them online at www.leadershiplearning.org.

On Feb. 16-19, Roca hosted Session II sites for a cross-site training in the circles method of group process. Peacemaking circles, a method of communication and problem solving derived from aboriginal and native traditions, are used at Roca in relationship development, healing, community building, and restorative justice efforts. Because the circles method facilitates direct, honest, and effective communication in a team or community, using the “circle” as organizing principle, it can open up fresh possibilities for connection, collaboration and mutual understanding between youth and adults. Representatives from the other Session II sites were present to receive the training and to discuss its various applications to their local situations. For more information, contact Roca by phone at 617-889-5210; or by email at info@rocainc.com.

(l-r) Ginger Alferos, Anisha Chablani and Maria Pizzimenti

Ginger Alferos, adult coach for Mi Casa Resource Center for Women, in Denver, has taken on some of the project lead responsibilities previously shared by Gayle Warner and Brigid Mcraith. Ginger will continue as coach. The shift in responsibilities brings KLCC even more closely into alignment with Mi Casa’s overall programs.

Frank Taylor, (center in red shirt) a program director for KLCC since its inception, is retiring from the Kellogg Foundation after 12.5 years.

After 12 ½ years of dedicated service to WKKF, Frank Taylor has announced his retirement from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation effective March 31, 2007.

Taylor joined the Foundation in September 1994 as associate director as the Kellogg International Leadership Program (KILP) and program director in Philanthropy and Volunteerism. In June 1998, he assumed the role of interim director of KILP when Freddye Webb-Petett was selected as the Mid-South Delta Initiative Coordinator, a position he held for one year. Frank assumed his current program director position in Food Systems and Rural Development in September 2000. He served as co-director of the Mid- South Delta Initiative (MSDI) and is the lead program director of the Kellogg Leadership for Community Change (KLCC).

Taylor’s experience in community-based programming, economic development, leadership development, youth engagement, and cross-regional and global linkages have served him well at WKKF. Taylor’s colleagues consider him a genuine team player who gives leadership to the Foundation’s efforts to promote social justice and business social responsibility in the U.S. and abroad.

Taylor is solid, effective, insightful and generous. For years, colleagues have appreciated his ability to blend with every group. He brings the positive out in others with his warm, friendly and good-humored demeanor. His willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty has enriched many during his time here. He has helped to make the Foundation a more successful, caring, effective and efficient organization. His integrity, patience and wisdom will be deeply missed.

Please join the Bridge in congratulating and celebrating Frank’s many accomplishments and contributions to KLCC. Well wishes can be extended to him at: fct@wkkf.org

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has chosen Roderick D. Gillum of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, as the newest member of its Board of Trustees.

“Rod Gillum is widely recognized for his civic and business leadership at home and abroad, and we are honored to have him join our Board,” said Sterling Speirn, Kellogg Foundation president and CEO. “His commitment to social responsibility, business ethics, and diversity make him the ideal choice for the Kellogg Foundation.”

Mr. Gillum was elected to the Foundation’s Board on Thursday. His renewable, three-year term of service begins January 1, 2007. Mr. Gillum replaces Trustee Howard Sims of Detroit, Michigan, who served on the Foundation’s board since 1981.

“We are delighted to have Rod Gillum as a member of our Board,” said Cynthia H. Milligan, chair of the W.K. Kellogg Board of Trustees, upon his appointment. “His deep insights into the assets of people and their communities will aptly serve the Foundation in its mission to help people to help themselves.”

A native of Detroit, Mr. Gillum has been vice president, Corporate Responsibility and Diversity, for General Motors Corporation (GM) since August 1997. He is responsible for global corporate social responsibility initiatives which focus on issues ranging from public policy to diversity management. Also, he is the chairman of the General Motors Foundation.

Mr. Gillum joined General Motors in 1979 and has held several executive positions. He also served in two separate capacities at Saturn Corporation, a GM subsidiary. From 1985 to 1986, he was the manager for Strategic Planning; and from 1988 to 1993, he was the Saturn vice president, general counsel and secretary.

From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Gillum was secretary to the General Motors Board of Directors, where he was responsible for the preparation and maintenance of Board and Committee agendas and minutes, and notices to the stock exchanges. Immediately prior to his election in 1997 as a vice president, his assignment was as the Chief Personnel, Benefits and Labor attorney. In that capacity, he was responsible for all legal matters related to personnel, labor relations, benefit plans, and worker’s compensation.

Mr. Gillum earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1972 and a Juris Doctor degree from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston in 1975. After being awarded a Sloan Fellowship, Mr. Gillum received a Master of Science degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in June 1985. Before joining GM as an attorney in 1979, he was an attorney with the National Labor Relations Board in Detroit.

Every field needs visionary, energetic people to explore new ideas and set future directions. To support the next generation of innovative leaders in sectoral workforce development, the Sector Skills Academy was created to provide a unique opportunity for peer learning, skills development and professional growth. Sector initiatives are industry- specific workforce development approaches. Basic strategies include training and skills development for specific industries and occupations; business development; organizing residents, workers, employers and other key constituents; researching and restructuring the work environment; and integrating two or more of these strategies in a multi-faceted approach.

The academy is designed for leaders from community-based organizations, community colleges, labormanagement partnerships and business associations. It offers a yearlong program of workshops, mentoring, technical assistance, and peer support. During the three 3-day workshops participants will hear from leading sectoral practitioners, share ideas and experiences, and develop lasting relationships that will influence the future of sectoral workforce development strategies. As an integral part of the academy, each participant will reflect on and refine their vision, strategy and implementation plan for a specific sectoral initiative, compatible with his/her own organization’s vision and goals. Applicants should be involved in a current sector initiative or undertaking a new initiative and have the authority within their organization to lead such an effort.

The academy’s third class of up to 24 participants will begin in June 2007. In addition to being exposed to innovative ideas and creative leaders in today’s sectoral development field, participants also have the opportunity to work one-on-one with experienced professionals serving as mentors.

Applications to the academy will be accepted through March 16, 2007. To learn more, visit: www.sectorskills academy.org.

The Sector Skills Academy is a joint project of the Aspen Institute’s Workforce Strategies Initiative and Public/Private Ventures, with principle support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.