Collaborate, Ecosystem Mapping, Impact Measurement, Social Impact Architects, Social Movements, System Change
In the nonprofit community, we often talk about our clients “falling through the cracks.” As a result, we spend a lot of time conducting case management sessions to help each and every client navigate “the system.” But, these are often only temporary fixes for our...
Collaborate, Ecosystem Mapping, Impact Measurement, Organizational Assessments, Social Impact Architects, Social Movements, System Change
In 1997, on my first day as a program developer at Phoenix House, a nationwide evidence-based substance abuse treatment program, I started to learn bottom-up program design. And, to ensure I really understood the journey of those we served, I spent a lot of time in...
Annual Traditions, Collaborate, COVID-19, Issue Based Blogs, Social Impact Architects, Social Movements, Summer Reading, System Change
Is it really July? Somehow 2020 has simultaneously moved fast, but also very slow. It is a strange paradox of living during a pandemic – every day is never-ending, yet the days fly by. In fact, there is a study of this phenomenon – chronemics or the study of the role...
Advocacy/Policy Change, Collaborate, Issue Based Blogs, Social Impact Architects, Social Movements, System Change
As #BlackOutTuesday came and went, I saw post after post from companies, individuals and celebrities with words of support for the Black Lives Matter movement. But, something was missing from these well-meaning, but passive sentiments. Then, I saw a post by Anne...
Advocacy/Policy Change, Collaborate, Communicate, COVID-19, Grow, Marketing & Communication, Organizational Assessments, Organizational Culture, Social Impact Architects, Social Movements, Storytelling
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the social sector – this is why we celebrate them this time every year. This week is National Volunteer Week and when issuing the national proclamation, the president said, “We have never needed the volunteerism of America more than we...
COVID-19, Issue Based Blogs, Organizational Assessments, Social Impact Architects, Social Movements, Storytelling
My favorite movie as a child was the epic adventure of Mary Poppins. I love everything about it, including my favorite song in the piece, “Feed the Birds” – which to this day makes me cry. But, the best lesson in the piece for children is the song “Spoonful of Sugar.”...