Leading Change in Community-Centered Organizations

ID: WMA2026_538

Track:

Museums are no longer simply guardians of history—they are being called to shape it. Yet the professionals driving this transformation are navigating relentless pressure: competing priorities, shrinking resources, and communities with bold, diverse expectations. This session cuts through the complexity. Through candid discussion and real-world scenarios, museum professionals will gain the practical tools to lead meaningful change, build cultures where every voice belongs, and move their teams from lofty aspiration to decisive action—without losing momentum along the way.

Session Information

Format: Regular session/panel (roundtable, single speaker, etc.)

Uniqueness: Blends proven change management frameworks with community-centered leadership, giving museum professionals practical, interactive tools to move from aspiration to action while building cultures of belonging and accountability.

Objectives:

Upon completion of the session, participants will:

1. Identify key leadership behaviors that build trust and accountability within parks and recreation teams operating under pressure.
2. Describe practical communication strategies that improve team alignment and strengthen relationships with staff, partners, and community members.
3. Apply the Influence Equation™ framework to increase engagement, reduce burnout, and drive measurable performance outcomes within their organizations.

Engagement: Participants will engage in guided small-group discussions, real-world scenario problem-solving, and peer exchange. Interactive exercises will help attendees apply leadership and communication strategies to their own organizational challenges, ensuring immediate relevance and actionable takeaways.

Relationship to Theme:

Audience

Audiences: Development and Membership Officers Events Planning Facilities Management Personnel Marketing & Communications (Including Social Media) Registrars, Collections Managers 

Professional Level: All levels 

Scalability: This session is designed to be applicable across institutions of all sizes, from small community museums to large cultural organizations. The leadership and change management strategies shared are adaptable to varying resource levels, staffing structures, and community contexts, ensuring participants can tailor the tools to their specific organizational needs.

Participants