LIBRARY RESOURCES & BLOG
This area is filled with how-to articles, engaging conversations, and tons of examples of Catalytic Thinking in Action including actual planning sessions. Much to explore and learn from!
Reading the definition of governance from dictionary.com, it’s no wonder leaders struggle with effectiveness. Authoritarian control may be what we need from governance in parts of the world that are wildly out of control – the many areas of the world that are ripped apart by violence and instability. But in the vast regions of … Read more
As Creating the Future begins scaling up its programs, we have always known that demonstration projects would be part of that work. If our mission is to transform the work done in the entire social change arena (nonprofit orgs, social enterprises, socially conscious businesses, etc.), to ensure those efforts are making a notable, visible difference … Read more
There is a house for sale in my neighborhood. The realtor is an old friend. I walk past his sign every day, think of Jim, and smile. On my walk this morning, the wind had knocked the hanging sign off its hooks. I stopped, re-hung it, and walked on. Instantly, I wondered, “If that wasn’t … Read more
In March/April, Creating the Future will celebrate its 3 year anniversary! 3 years since our first official immersion course. 3 years since the thought frameworks that have become Creating the Future’s vision, mission & values began spreading into communities and making a bigger and bigger difference. 3 years since the publication of The Pollyanna Principles. … Read more
Philanthropy may be defined ideally as “love of humanity,” but philanthropy as we know it is a perfect microcosm of our modern American capitalist economy: There is fierce competition for scarce resources (“This rejection of your proposal is not a reflection of the worthiness of your project.”). A person’s worth is determined by their wealth … Read more
We humans are such funny creatures. It is amazing how often an opportunity is staring us right in the face and we don’t even see it. That’s what happened as I began following up on an action item from Creating the Future’s last board meeting. The board had discussed the need for a recording secretary … Read more
What is the path of your life, that has brought you to the work you do? And what are your dreams for the future of your community? Every time I begin a training or facilitation or even sometimes a keynote address, I ask people to turn to their neighbor and spend a few moments asking … Read more
A team of professionals has gathered to help Save the Dogs decide which payroll firm to hire. Maria has suggested Firm A – she has had great experience working with them. On the other hand, Suzanne speaks from her years of experience as an accountant who works with payroll firms, “Keep working with the firm … Read more
What are we really asking when we ask for donations? This question has arisen as Creating the Future is rethinking everything about how community health and vibrance is supported and sustained. This is not an academic exercise for us. The question arises as a result of rethinking what philanthropy looks like if it reflects its … Read more
At the risk of sounding like the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the roots of the word “Philanthropy” come from the ancient Greek. “Philanthropy etymologically means ‘the love of humanity’ – love in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, or enhancing; humanity in the sense of ‘what it is to be human,’ … Read more