Community Leaders Speak Series

Community Leaders Speak is a series of writings prompted by the discussions during IC² Regional XLR8 Program which convened 150 leaders from 58 communities across all regions of Texas, September – October 2020. As a part of the IC² Regional Economic Recovery Initiative, Regional XLR8 is a new type of “accelerator” that helps communities rethink recovery, take strategic action, and build resilience. During this intensive 6-week program, leaders actively engaged in full & regional group discussions around human-centered approaches.

Regional XLR8 platform allowed and encouraged these leaders to re-think approaches to problems, meet with community members for input on priorities, and plan strategic action. During weekly meetings, leaders also engaged in spirited and thoughtful discussions with their co-participants—including leaders from neighboring communities and those hundreds of miles away.

Almost all who participated said they would recommend the program to a colleague, and most were enthusiastic about the rare opportunity they were offered to talk candidly with people who were facing similar challenges.

“We really liked hearing about what other communities are working on,” and “it felt good to know we aren’t alone.”

– XLR8 Community leader

Many different—and sometimes opposing—viewpoints were represented in group discussions. After hearing their interesting conversations, we created the series to provide a platform for their voice, their issues and actions, and ultimately, their specific stories.