The leadership development pipeline is currently an issue that has received a lot of attention in the nonprofit world. Last Monday, some of the most accomplished thought leaders in the field gathered to discuss their views on what we need to do to attract and develop new talent in nonprofit organizations. Co-sponsored by the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers, The New York Times, the Support Center for Nonprofit Management, and American Express, the “Investing in Emerging Leaders” panel addressed the challenges facing the nonprofit field and posited ways to close the leadership gap.

The panel’s participants included representatives from all fields: Rich Berlin, Executive Director, Harlem RBI; David Birdsell, Dean of School of Public Affairs, Baruch College; Patrick Corvington, Senior Associate, Annie E. Casey Foundation; Timothy McClimon, President, American Express Foundation; and Echoing Green’s own Cheryl Dorsey.

The panel identified a key problem in nonprofit training and leadership, in that young people are immediately locked into one field when they join a nonprofit. Since they are ensconced in their field, be it marketing, development or otherwise, they have limited opportunities to grow and learn about the organization as a whole. The speakers agreed that more resources, increased investment in professional development and mentoring, and including more young people on boards could help keep emerging leaders involved for years to come.

If you are interested, here are some resources you can read: Next Shift brought to you by Building Movements; Ready to Lead brought to you by The Annie E. Casey Foundation; CompassPoint Nonprofit Services; Meyer Foundation; Idealist.org

So, what do you think? How can we attract and retain more young talent to the nonprofit sector? What organizations are doing innovative work in this space?