OUR MISSION IS TO CONNECT AND STRENGTHEN DIVERSE LEADERS TO SERVE THE COMMON GOOD
Our Vision
ALF’s vision for the Houston/Gulf Coast region is to be a model for generative leadership that creates opportunities for everyone to belong, contribute, and thrive together.
About The American Leadership Forum
The American Leadership Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering diverse leaders who are committed to advancing the common good.
Through our immersive year-long program, thoughtfully integrating mindfulness, the beauty of nature, and the power of dialogue, we cultivate an environment conducive to curiosity, collaborative learning, and trust. Our program unites seasoned leaders from every corner of our community, resulting in a unique platform where interpersonal barriers dissolve, critical issues are openly addressed, and innovative solutions emerge to enrich our entire community.
Together, we co-create new possibilities.
Our Origin Story
The American Leadership Forum (ALF) was born 40 years ago in Houston when Joseph Jaworski, a successful lawyer, recognized a national leadership crisis. His vision? To unite diverse leaders from various sectors to explore personal leadership, build trust, overcome prejudices, and unearth new possibilities.
The founding group included notable figures like John Gardner, James MacGregor Burns, Warren Bennis, Tom Bradley, Harlan Cleveland, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, and James B. Stockdale. Together, they crafted a transformative learning experience.
Jaworski’s 1996 book, “Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership,” chronicles ALF’s journey. It emphasizes that leadership is rooted in character and consciousness.
Today, ALF thrives with nine national chapters across the U.S., boasting over 5,000 Fellows. We’re dedicated to being in service to the community, fostering personal and community transformation and creating inclusive and prosperous environments for all.
OUR THEORY OF CHANGE
At the heart of the American Leadership Forum (ALF) lies a powerful vision for creating positive change in communities across the United States. It began in Houston when Joseph Jaworski, a successful lawyer, recognized a nationwide crisis of leadership. He envisioned a world where diverse leaders from various sectors could come together, leaving behind their biases and prejudices, to explore their personal leadership capacity, develop their growth mindset, and discover new possibilities. This vision led to the founding of ALF in 1980.
Today’s theory of change remains rooted in this vision. We believe that by providing the resources, guidance, and platforms for leaders to engage in open dialogue, build trust, and overcome biases, we create a ripple effect of positive change. Through leadership development programs, a robust ecosystem, events, and community projects, we empower ALF Fellows to improve cross-sectoral collaboration and enhance leadership skills.
Our programs enable a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, strengthened trust and belonging among leaders, and the ability to address personal biases. Our long-term outcomes are inclusive and thriving communities, sustainable change, increased equity, and social cohesion.
The impact we aim for is a more just, equitable, and collaborative society where leaders, communities, and organizations work together to address complex challenges. To achieve this, we continuously monitor our progress and adapt our strategies based on feedback and learning. We believe that by effectively communicating our theory of change and engaging with our stakeholders, we can inspire change, drive community progress, and transform lives.