The Social Sector often uses basic tools, like hammers and nails to change the world. Instead, we need power tools. Our weekly blog, Social TrendSpotter provides you with the latest trends and ideas within the social sector. It merges current thinking with the edge of innovation to inspire, to motivate and to take action so we can all ultimately create a better sector. Social TrendSpotter includes original analysis, but also highlights the latest sector-wide thinking into a user-friendly resource where social sector professionals and students alike can draw inspiration, share ideas and develop new thinking on best practices.
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Behavioral Economics Meets the Social Sector
Do you know why offices and hotels have mirrors in their elevators? One reason is because people will focus on fixing stray hairs and smoothing out wrinkled clothing rather than how long the elevator is taking and, as a result, be happier. This strange but true fact...
(Almost) Free Talent: Building a Next-Generation Nonprofit Workforce with Internships, Job Shadowing and Class Projects
Everything old is new again. We are so excited that apprenticeship (in all its forms: internships, job shadowing and project-based learning) has made a strong comeback as a hands-on learning experience for all types of jobs. In fact, we join Salesforce CEO Marc...
Secrets from the Fortune 500 – Design Thinking Hacks for Nonprofits
Have you ever waited endlessly at the doctor’s office and wished that they had better customer service? Have you waited in a grocery line and bought an impulse purchase and then wondered why later? For better or worse, every company – but especially those in retail –...
Are IQ, EQ and SQ the Secret to Great Social Sector Leaders?
In 2002, I attended the Drucker Institute’s annual conference. Based on an impromptu speech I gave during one of the workshops, I was selected to meet with Peter Drucker himself. He was a legend, and I never expected to have a real audience with him. I was content...
Out with the Old, In with the New: Words to Know in the New Year 2020
I remember the first time I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey. Although it was originally released in 1968, I first saw it in 1990. Even then, it seemed out of this world. Since that time, I have been both thrilled and concerned about the advancement of technology. It...
Favorite Inspirations to Celebrate the Holiday Season 2019
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Holiday Hustle: Top 5 TrendSpotter Favorites of 2019
This year marks my 10th year in business as Founder & CEO of Social Impact Architects. My intention in starting Social Impact Architects was simple – combine my on-the-ground experience working in nonprofits and government with new tools from my MBA at Duke. I was...
Five Years Later: What the Ice Bucket Challenge Continues to Teach Us about Marketing
If you were anywhere near a screen five years ago, odds are good that you witnessed the Ice Bucket Challenge. In my feed, I saw everyone from my then-8-year-old nephew, Dylan, to my city councilmember and Bill Gates participate. This viral phenomenon during the summer...
Everyone Counts: Why Census 2020 Must be a High Priority for Nonprofits
2020 is right around the corner, and many of us are taking stock of our priorities, not only for the new year but also for the coming decade. When it comes to the 2020s, there is an urgent and important issue that greatly impacts our nonprofit clients – the U.S....