Strong leaders, vibrant organizations, communities that prosper and grow - that's what On The Move is all about. OTM was founded in 2003 by a group of professionals who had worked in the public sector - as executive directors, school superintendents, principals, and philanthropy leaders.

All had spent years addressing common questions within their professions: How to develop the next generation of leaders for the non-profit and public sectors? How to strengthen organizations so that they function effectively and creatively in a changing world? How to build connections to create healthy, lasting change in communities?

They did not have all the answers, but over time several related themes became apparent:

• The demands being placed on current leaders are increasing and the qualities needed for effective leadership are expanding
• In response to growing demands, many veteran professionals either exhaust themselves or fly solo, failing to pass on critical wisdom to their peers and to members of the next generation
• Though many young adults enter the public and non-profit sectors highly committed and energized, many lower their expectations or leave early due to a lack of mentoring and feelings of disillusionment and doubt
• Emerging young leaders must be challenged, mentored and supported if they are to succeed in meeting the growing demands placed on the public and non-profit sectors

In response to these insights, OTM has developed into an organization that emphasizes the need to put young leaders at the center of all of its initiatives. Whether training new teachers, supporting foster youth, addressing issues of social justice, establishing community initiatives, or guiding On The Move, aspiring leaders in their twenties to early thirties remain at the core.

Stanford Social Innovation Review: The Leadership Deficit

Chronicle of Philanthropy, Nov. 13, 2003