You may love the organization you work for, the work it does, the people you serve, and the programs you use to do it. You might love it more than the people you’re trying to reach. More than likely, they’re not interested in program specifics or receiving a firehose of data and information.  At its core, your organization was designed to solve a problem. What singular problem is your organization trying to solve?  That’s the reason people advocate for and support your organization.  Once you know what problem you’re trying to solve, how are you going to connect your supporters directly to that solution? Not to you as the third party they help to bring about the solution, but directly to your solution.  Ask people to join your story. Not as the side-kick. As the superhero.  The organizations we love would not survive without the people who support them. Remember that and you’ll be golden. Hat Tip to Your Storytelling Success, P.S. Do you want to get updates on our most recent blogs and other free resources we offer? Sign up here for our bi-monthly e-newsletter, The SWGazette. And if you’re interested in bringing a storytelling workshop to your organization, reach out here.

My social change warriors, I see you. You work long and hard to solve some of society’s greatest social ills. You juggle multiple responsibilities and wear multiple hats on any given day. And you are constantly driven by your passion to make a difference. Research reveals that work-related stress can decrease concentration and work motivation, create a tense work environment, and reduce employee performance. No surprise—this leads to burnout and increased absenteeism. Sound familiar? In the fast-paced world of nonprofit work, what if there was a simple, cost-effective way to bring more happiness into our workplaces? Enter: office dogs. The Science Behind the Wag I have experienced the perks of having a dog by my side when I work from home with my fur babies snuggled next to me. And more recently, I’ve had the surprise of a furry visitor hanging out with me while I facilitated a workshop and another sweet pup who greeted me at the entrance of a client’s office. The vibe felt different at these places—more relaxed, more jovial, and more team connection. I couldn’t help but wonder if I’ve been imagining this just because I’m a dog lover. It turns out that these benefits are […]

Embracing Play and Rest: Reflections from My Akimbo Summer Camp Experience As we close out July, a month often filled with vacations and more play and rest than we get the rest of the year, I find myself reflecting on the transformative experience of participating in the Akimbo Virtual Summer Camp. Lasting four days, this virtual, asynchronous journey made it accessible to participate from anywhere, with as little as 30 minutes a day. I got to connect with people across the US, not to mention Australia and the UK. How cool is that? Why Adults Need Summer Camp Through my experience I was reminded that we, as adults, deserve the same opportunities for discovery, connection, play, and exploration that children enjoy at summer camp. Too often, we are consumed by work and life commitments, leaving little room for fun and personal growth.  The Benefits of Play and Rest If you’re anything like me, I sometimes need to force myself to slow down, and this camp experience provided the perfect opportunity to reaffirm what I know but don’t often practice—play and rest is not only beneficial but essential. Here are some of the benefits of play and rest, backed by research […]

5 Fun Tips for Nonprofit Leaders This 4th of July As we enjoy the 4th of July with good food, time with family and friends, and dazzling fireworks, let’s make sure the only sparks flying are the ones in the sky! Just like a well-choreographed fireworks show, a harmonious boardroom requires careful planning and coordination. Here are a few fun strategies to help you keep the “fireworks” out of the boardroom. 1. The Firework: Miscommunication Strategy: Conversation Sparklers Miscommunication can ignite like a rogue firework, and often it stems from board members not having rapport or trusting each other to give the benefit of the doubt. So why not hold regular social connections for your board or mix up your board meetings from time to time with a brief opening activity to build collegiality? Conversation cards can be one fun way to learn something new about each other by pulling a card with a question and having board members pair up to share how they’d answer it.  You could also consider creating your own cards with questions related to board service. 2. The Firework: Lack of Diversity Strategy: Diversity Potluck A lack of diverse perspectives can dim the board’s effectiveness […]

When you were a kid, did you ever have that friend who kept their nose in a book? Perhaps they spent weekends at the library or they chose reading over recess. You remember that person. Well, I must confess. I WAS that person—a true bookworm. There was nothing better than the smell of books, the pages between my fingertips, and the great escape each new book offered. Give me a stack of Judy Blume or Beverly Cleary books, and I’d be enraptured my entire summer vacation.  As I grew older and became busy with adulting– work, family and friend obligations– my commitment to read slowly faded. It wasn’t a lack of desire but more the realities of too many demands on my time. I stopped prioritizing reading. And if I made any attempt to pick up a book, I fell asleep within five minutes.  The summer of 2024 is upon us, and I am recommitting to reading. I am not going to make this another “to do” obligation. I’m simply going to pick up one of the books in my house that has been closed for way too long, and I’m going to begin. Maybe I’ll get through one book. […]

I’m guessing you’ve probably organized, witnessed, or participated in a silent auction in your lifetime. Over the years I’ve been to several charitable events that include a silent auction as part of their fundraising strategy, and I’ve always struggled with the mix of thoughts and feelings that come with the bidding process.  Yes, I want to give.  I also want to win.  Even better if I win something at a bargain price.  Then the guilt sets in. If I win something at a low price, then the nonprofit isn’t getting as much money from me. And that feels crappy for me and even crappier for them. And what about the person or company that donated the item and sees it go for a “steal” when they were hoping it would generate contributions for the cause they care about? If I don’t place the winning bid, I am bummed because I didn’t get to support the cause nor did I get the item or service I really wanted. Now, don’t get me wrong. I usually find another way to make a donation, but still…there’s got to be a better way, doesn’t there? As a long-time follower of Seth Godin, I am […]

Have you ever thought about how nonprofits are kind of like people? They go through different stages of life, just like we do. From birth to childhood, adolescence, maturity, and eventually renewal (or, unfortunately, stagnation). Sounds familiar, right? When a nonprofit is just starting out, it’s like a little kid full of energy and big dreams. The founder and board members are like the parents, guiding and nurturing this young organization. They’re the ones with the vision, the passion, and the drive to make things happen. But here’s the catch: they’re also often wearing all of the hats and doing a bit of everything—getting their hands dirty with day-to-day operations while trying to also govern, although usually not consistently or in any formalized way. Governance is in its early stages so structures and policies often aren’t even in writing yet. This stage can be one of the most time-consuming stages of a nonprofit’s development because it requires board members to wear both the governance hat and operations hat.  There are usually no paid staff (or very minimal staff) so everyone pitches in to get the work done. Now, fast forward a bit. The nonprofit starts to mature, entering its adolescence […]

Let’s get real for a minute. Stepping into the shoes of a nonprofit board member can feel like embarking on a complex journey, where the path isn’t always clear and at times, it can be downright overwhelming. Many newcomers to the role underestimate the breadth of responsibilities awaiting them, and many organizations do a poor job of painting a clear picture of what it really means to serve on a nonprofit board.  From overseeing finances to shaping strategic direction, the duties can seem all-consuming. The majority of board members serving on nonprofit boards nationwide have day jobs, families, and life beyond board service. How can we make it easier for all board members to fulfill the long list of responsibilities staring them in the face? Over the past few years I’ve begun introducing my clients to the idea of an annual board checklist and calendar. Think of it like a reliable compass in uncharted territory. These tools provide structure and guidance, ensuring that important tasks don’t slip through the cracks, even as board members come and go.  Consistency is key to laying a strong foundation for the organization’s continued success, no matter who’s at the helm. Below are a handful […]

“If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Sound familiar? Probably. This idea has been around for years, especially if you play a fundraising role at your nonprofit.  But is this approach working?  In a recent blog post, Seth Godin challenges the conventional wisdom of asking and encourages us to view the best “asks” as offers. By offering our assistance to help others reach their goals, we move away from a transaction and move toward building a true relationship–one founded on a spirit of love and generosity rather than mere self-interest.  Imagine if you embraced the unique stories and aspirations of those you engage with, taking the time to truly understand their dreams and goals.  Recently I was at a gathering and had the chance to listen to a group of nonprofit board members share their perspectives on board service.  One common theme arose: board members didn’t feel like anyone got to know who they were beyond their board service. Many also shared that they were asked to make financial contributions but never asked to contribute their unique knowledge, skills, or strengths as part of their service. As a result, they felt like seat fillers—ATM machines—and as one person shared, “I […]

Happy 2024, Changemakers! With the new year in full gear, I wanted to take a moment to share one of my favorite traditions:  finding a quote that resonates with me and that can also serve as a guide to those I care about.  In that spirit and in the words of writer Neil Gaiman, here is my wish for you in 2024… “Be kind to yourself in the year ahead.  Remember to forgive yourself and to forgive others. It’s too easy to be outraged these days, so much harder to change things, to reach out, to understand. Try to make your time matter: minutes and hours and days and weeks can blow away like dead leaves, with nothing to show but time you spent not quite ever doing things, or time you spent waiting to begin. Meet new people and talk to them. Make new things and show them to people who might enjoy them.  Hug too much. Smile too much. And, when you can, love.” Carrying forward the essence of this poem, I’m excited to share with you a couple of new services The Stacey Wedding Group is offering in 2024 to elevate your leadership journey and organization. The […]