April 2, 2024

Sign up now for this Friday's Local Leadership Chat

By Matt Lehrman

Social Prosperity Partners


What happened when an armed militia showed up for a Parks Department meeting in a Tennessee town? Nothing too out of the ordinary, it turns out — just a regularly scheduled public comment period, conducted under the watchful eye of the local sheriff.


The topic for last month’s Local Leadership Chat was “The Trouble With Public Comments,” so I was expecting to hear about angry protesters clashing with local officials. I just didn’t expect the issue sparking the most controversy would be … disc golf in Texas. For those who participated, the discussion was incredibly insightful and instructive.


Local Leadership Chats are virtual gatherings, held monthly, that offer the chance to hear stories and share advice with people serving in various leadership positions all across the country. They are always free to join, but space is limited.  There’s no presentation; just a gently facilitated, welcoming, and supportive conversation.


By popular request, I’m pleased to announce topics & open registration for April, May & June’s conversations.  Be sure to reserve your spot for each of these revealing and helpful conversations: 


  • April 5 — The Mechanics of Trust: Let’s talk about how civic leaders earn trust, both individually and for our governing boards and councils. From our experiences, we'll share what works and what doesn't. Join us for a conversation about practical ways to build confidence and credibility in our communities.
  • REGISTER HERE


  • May 3 — Reservoirs of Resilience: Community leadership is a marathon, not a sprint, so let’s talk about self-care and mental wellness as a form of endurance training. This is an opportunity to share stories and compare strategies about balancing personal needs against the demands of civic service for the long term.
  • REGISTER HERE


  • June 7 — Shaping Tomorrow: What challenges and opportunities do you see right now that could make a lasting impact in your community or organization? Join civic leaders from across the country to discuss priorities and strategies for building resilience and prosperity in the future.
  • REGISTER HERE

Join us the first Friday of every month for Local Leaders webinar.

WHISKEY, JAZZ & LEADERSHIP


I’m thrilled to be the featured guest on the latest episode of “Whiskey, Jazz & Leadership,” the podcast hosted by Galen Bingham, The Leadership Strategist®. Our paths first crossed a decade ago at a conference, where we quickly discovered we shared a passion for exploring the qualities of effective leadership. With my background in nonprofit management and public administration, it was fascinating to compare notes with Galen, who’s worked for corporate titans like Kraft and Coca-Cola. I hope you enjoy listening to our latest conversation on your favorite podcast platform. (Part 2 will be posted this Friday, April 5.)



Sign up for Friday´s Local Leadership webinar with Matt Lehrman.

 NEW EPISODE — “ALAINA’S VOICE” (April 2, 2024)

Martin Podsiad, a New Haven police detective, took over the department’s social media and discovered that his interview and interrogation skills seamlessly translate into captivating social media engagement, offering a fresh perspective on audience connection.


Listen on Apple, Spotify and all podcast platforms

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

“LAW & ORDER AND SOCIAL MEDIA” (March 26, 2024)

“THE WELLNESS POLICE” (March 5, 2024)

“CHURCH & STATE” (February 27, 2024)


Connect with Matt:


Social Media Isn’t the Problem. Our Approach Is.
By Matt Lehrman March 24, 2026
Social media isn’t the problem—our approach is. In this candid conversation, we reframe civic dialogue online, offering practical insights for local leaders to foster connection, trust, and meaningful engagement.
Sam Toles, founder of CiviSocial
By Matt Lehrman March 24, 2026
Sam Toles, founder of CiviSocial, has spent years navigating the mechanics of social media platforms—first as a media executive and later as a city council member who experienced firsthand the pressures local leaders face online.
 Dana Lewis, Recorder and Officer in Charge of Elections for Pinal County.
By Matt Lehrman March 17, 2026
Most of us think about elections only when it is time to vote. What we rarely see is the extraordinary amount of work required to make the process itself function.
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