Exchange Leadership Initiative (ELI)

The Exchange Leadership Initiative (ELI) is a collective dedicated to furthering the work of the early childhood field across disciplines and contexts. We believe that innovation and imagination within early childhood flourish in intentional community. Our members include educators, administrators, community organizers, scholars, writers, and more who are deeply invested in everything from policy to pedagogy, art and sustainability, social justice and advocacy, coaching and mentoring, and more!

The common thread that connects our community is its investment in cultivating a world that honors the lives of children and supports and empowers the adults who are striving toward better todays and tomorrows alongside them.

Want to connect with previous ELI Members? Check out the directory!

ELI member, Anjali Dubey
The personal mantra that I use and teach to my students is that everybody is a leader. For an organization to be effective all employees should be given the opportunity to grow and develop. As aptly put by Barbara Coloroso “The beauty of empowering others is that your own power is not diminished in the process.”
Anjali Dubey, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Executive Director, Isabella Walton Childcare Centre
ELI member, Joshua Rifkin

I remember a moment half a decade ago when I addressed my colleagues in a staff meeting about our responsibility to live in a organization that practiced sustainable solutions for the planet. … That day I learned that leadership must be fueled by aligning our words and actions with our deepest-felt values.

Joshua Rifkin, Denver, Colorado, United States. Nature and technology specialist, Early Learning School-Denver JCC
ELI member, Alexandra Saharig

My passion in this field is to educate others on the importance of quality education for all, no matter your cultural background or socio-economic status. Every child in this nation deserves to learn in a safe and nurturing environment.

Alexandra Saharig, Morristown, New Jersey, United States. Techincal assistance specialist, Central Jersey Family Health Consortium

Writing by members of the ELI Community

Passion, Community, Equity, Transformation

In addition to a strong understanding of and appreciation for children and their childhoods, child development, and the principles of relational and care-centered praxes, we are eager to welcome Exchange Leaders who are passionate, community-minded, equity-oriented, and creative.

Passion about the lives and experiences of young children and their caregiving communities and about the field of early childhood writ large is essential. We welcome folks who are compassionate, good-hearted, and kind.

Community-mindedness and a willingness to both share one’s expertise and (with joy and humility), sincerely listen to others across all dimensions of experience is crucial. We seek folks who believe in the power of community.

Investment in pursuing equity, diversity, and belonging within the field of early childhood generally is a nonnegotiable for us. We seek others who are willing to wonder about and take concrete actions toward these ideals.

Excitement and a desire to creatively and concretely pursue transformation within the field is key. We welcome those willing to navigate the inevitable tensions and generative possibilities of dialogue and encounter.

Join the next cohort of Exchange Leaders!

Applications opening in early 2025

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Questions? Contact [email protected].