Since Hildy published it at her blog back in 2009 (and we then reposted it here on this blog), the post 6 Reasons to Use the Term “Community Benefit Organization” has become one of the most reprinted articles we’ve published. We are now especially honored that two Humanics Scholars at California State University, Fresno – … Read more
Social change advocates talk a lot about engaging conversation, about bringing people together. And yet, attend just one parent-teacher or chamber of commerce meeting where a contentious issue is being addressed, and you’ll know it’s not that easy. Bringing together groups with different opinions may mean only that they have the opportunity to yell at … Read more
Community benefit groups of all kinds – traditional nonprofits and government offices and social enterprises – are all taught the benefits of running social change efforts like a business. But what happens when we throw all that out the window and run those efforts like… hockey? In this month’s 3 minute video, Creating the Future … Read more
What changes when we stop “using and utilizing volunteers?” Nothing less than greater participation from the whole community, towards actually accomplishing your mission – according to volunteerism consultant, university instructor and former Volunteer Center CEO Lisa Humenik. This one simple change can lead to greater effectiveness for social change groups, and more engagement and fulfillment … Read more
I am at a Young Adults and Libraries Summit, listening to the final speaker challenge the audience with this question: “Why do libraries need teens?” Not, “Why do teens need libraries?” – the question I thought I wanted to ask – and to learn answers to. But the reverse… “Why do teens need libraries?” I … Read more
No matter what field you work in, Twitter Chats are one of the most underutilized ways of building community and furthering your cause. I’m not talking about just using Twitter in general. I’m talking about a real time chat that brings people together at a specific time to discuss a specific topic. For the past … Read more
Are you thinking about building a program or project aimed to create a more healthy, vibrant community? In our experience, the most exciting part of any new effort is engaging people in building the effort together. Whether a group is building a single project / program or a full range of programs, using a fully engaged … 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
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
We’ve all seen it happen – an individual or organization in desperate shape, entirely out of options, when a seeming miracle occurs. A check in the mail. An invitation to speak. A long-forgotten friend calling to say, “I’ve been thinking about you.” We hear all sorts of explanations. The universe conspiring on our behalf. God’s … Read more