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!
I grew up with the expectation that I should strive to financially support myself and my family all by myself, regardless of what my partner might earn. Why? Death, divorce, disability, disease, you name it. Life is risky. Anything can happen and often does. My work ethic was my personal safety net to insure me … Read more
This April will mark the 3 year anniversary of Creating the Future’s immersion courses, where consultants have gathered from around the world to learn how to help their clients change the world. People sometimes scoff when we say that. We’re all so used to learning about fundraising or marketing or boards – the means for … Read more
When social change efforts use the word “partner” to describe their funders, saying things like, “We are seeking a partner to help fund this effort,” what does that say about us as organizations? And what does it say about our efforts to create a community that is whole and vibrant and healthy? Words contain so … Read more
Since the post on Turning Donors Into Friends Who Care was featured in Creating the Future’s March newsletter, I’ve been reminded again and again of the message in this video clip. Friendship (and hence FriendRaising) is not about making friends so that they will help us. In our real lives, friendship is not a means … Read more
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