Perspectives & Practices

Inspiring Community Leaders to Build Trust, Solve Problems, and Strengthen Connections.

Share Your Ideas and Success Stories with Us: Matt@SocialProsperity.us

Kris Amundson, Former Virginia State Legislator and Former Fairfax County School Board Member & Chai
By Matt Lehrman March 26, 2025
We often think of leadership as taking charge, making decisions, and standing firm. But Kris Amundson—former Virginia State Legislator and former Fairfax County School Board Member and Chair—reminds us of something essential: leadership is about listening, adapting, and adding voices to the conversation.
Leading Through Tumultuous Times: Insights from the Local Leadership Chat
By Matt Lehrman March 18, 2025
Local leaders nationwide are navigating economic stress, political shifts, and growing community division. In Social Prosperity Partners’ most recent Local Leadership Chat, mayors, council members, school board representatives, and other civic leaders shared challenges and strategies for strengthening governance and public trust.
Mayor Skip Henderson, Columbus, Georgia on Community Catalysts
By Matt Lehrman March 12, 2025
Mayor Skip Henderson of Columbus, Georgia, shares how restoring the Chattahoochee River didn’t just revitalize a natural resource—it sparked a lasting cycle of growth, investment, and civic pride.
Robert Lazaro, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Regional Commission on the Community Catalysts.
By Matt Lehrman February 26, 2025
Collaboration isn’t easy, especially when communities have different priorities and perspectives. Yet in Northern Virginia, 13 independent municipalities have found a way to work together toward shared goals—without mandates or central authority.
Civic Facilitation vs. Consulting: Which One Does Your Community Need?
By Matt Lehrman February 24, 2025
When governing boards face complex challenges, it’s common to seek outside expertise. The go-to solution is often to hire a consultant—someone to analyze the situation and deliver recommendations. While consultants can provide valuable insights, the real question is: Is a consultant what your community needs right now?
6 Practical Tips for Building Stronger Communities by Matt Lehrman of Social Prosperity Partners
By Matt Lehrman February 21, 2025
I had the pleasure of hosting our latest Local Leadership Chat, where local leaders from across the country gathered on Zoom to discuss the challenges and opportunities of civic communication in a rapidly evolving media environment. The conversation was lively, insightful, and filled with practical advice for navigating the complexities of public engagement.
Mayor Ginny Dickey, Fountain Hills, AZ on Community Catalysts
By Matt Lehrman February 19, 2025
Former Mayor Ginny Dickey of Fountain Hills, Arizona, gives an unflinching account of how local politics took a dark turn. Having lost her 2024 reelection bid, Mayor Dickey reflects on the rise of vicious, unprincipled attacks—tactics that had nothing to do with policy or leadership and everything to do with fueling anger and spreading division.
Mayor Brian Vincent of Farmville, VA is on the Community Catalysts Podcast.
By Matt Lehrman February 12, 2025
It’s common to hear a mayor speak about high ideals or how their town bridges its history with its future. But Mayor Vincent is anything but common. When he talks about “decency, fortitude, and community” in Farmville, you quickly discover the profound influence of his father, a fallen U.S. Army officer. His father’s service and sacrifice embody the power of leading not with force, but with quiet strength and unwavering dedication to others—a painful yet timeless lesson in leadership from which we can all learn.
Why Every Community Needs a Civic Facilitator
By Matt Lehrman February 11, 2025
In every community, leadership is about more than making decisions—it’s about bringing people together to address complex challenges and discover shared opportunities. True leadership doesn’t shy away from conflict or disagreement; it embraces them as essential parts of growth and progress. But turning those moments into something productive takes more than good intentions. It requires thoughtful processes, clear communication, and the courage to have difficult conversations.
Vivienne Leyva, Public Information Officer, Riley County, Kansas on the Community Catalyst Podcast.
By Matt Lehrman February 5, 2025
Vivian Leyva, Public Information Officer for Riley County, Kansas, reflects on the pros and cons of social media and how it reaffirms the critical importance of human connection in local government leadership and communication.
Mary Hynes and Jay Fisette of Northern Virginia’s Regional Elected Leaders Initiative
By Matt Lehrman January 29, 2025
Mary Hines and Jay Fisette, co-directors of the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University, draw on their decades of leadership experience to share powerful insights on breaking barriers and building trust.
Derek Ferland, County Manager of Sullivan County, New Hampshire
By Matt Lehrman January 22, 2025
Derek Ferland, County Manager of Sullivan County, New Hampshire, shares his journey from military service to municipal leadership. He shares how “mission, people, and process” are at the heart of his approach.
Leading Through Unreason
By Matt Lehrman January 20, 2025
Public leaders—whether elected, appointed, or serving as staff—frequently face the daunting task of managing unreasonable behavior. From disruptive citizens and antagonistic colleagues to the relentless vitriol of social media, these encounters can test the endurance and composure of even the most steadfast leaders.
Unreasonable is UnAmerican
By Matt Lehrman January 16, 2025
In today’s politically charged environment, the challenge of dealing with unreasonable people often dominates civic discussions. Whether fueled by obstinance (despite reason), demagoguery or inflammatory behavior (without reason), dogmatism (before reason), or undermining tactics (against reason), such behavior can paralyze a community’s progress.
Cheryl Mayes, School Board Member, Metro Nashville Public Schools
By Matt Lehrman January 14, 2025
Cheryl Mayes, a two-term school board member for Metro Nashville Public Schools, shares her experiences serving one of the city’s most diverse districts. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of public service, the importance of listening to community needs, and staying grounded in integrity and outcomes.
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