A few episodes ago, Sarah shared a vision of nonprofit leaders helping each other by facilitating each other's retreats. That invites the question of how to facilitate well. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah invite facilitation expert Mike Beebe to share his wisdom on how to facilitate a meeting or event effectively. Mike talks about what facilitation is, how to do it well, and strategies to engage everyone in the conversation. Mike addresses what is hard about facilitation and some options to get professional development in facilitation.
Author: Nancy
I work at the intersection of learning, nonprofits, and leadership. I am a teacher, instructional designer, and nonprofit person who has worn every hat possible. I regular write, speak, and consult on learning strategy, design, and leadership.
Episode 54: Our Good Things List
It is easy to get caught up in what is not going well these days. In this episode, Sarah tells the story of the board member who went home from a meeting and made a "good things list" to remind each other what is going well. Nancy and Sarah share a few things on their good things list this summer. What is on yours?
Episode 53: Who to call when you need help
There is a world of help available to nonprofits. The question is how to access the kind of help you need when you need it! In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk through a list of who is available to help nonprofits. They highlight how these types of help might be most useful. Who do you find most helpful? Let us know.
Episode 52: Well-functioning boards: Ideas for staff members
How do we make sure our boards are fully functioning in a joyful, productive way? In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk to nonprofit staff members about what they can do to support their board as they build a movement for their mission. They talk about three ways staff members can help boards today: time, job roles, and communication.
Episode 51: Well-functioning boards: Ideas for board members
How do we make sure our boards are fully functioning in a joyful, productive way? In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about why nonprofits have a board and what boards need to focus on to build a movement for their mission. They talk about what governance means in every day language, and how a board is accountable to their community, their purpose, and the organization. This is the first in a two-part series on boards. Nancy and Sarah will share tips for staff members working with boards in the next episode.
Episode 50: Leading in 2022: Sarah has a new job!
Nonprofit Radio Show co-host Sarah Brooks has a new job as Executive Director of the Methow Conservancy in Eastern Washington. (Read a recent article about the Conservancy's work returning land to the Colville Tribe.) In this episode, Nancy asks Sarah about leadership transition and building a movement during the turbulence of 2022.
Episode 49: The Importance of Formers
People who used to work on behalf of your mission are important people in your movement. Former staff members, board members, volunteers and others have played in important role in forming your work. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about "formers," why they matter, and how you can keep them connected to your mission and programs.
Episode 48: Become a trustful nonprofit
There have been a few reports out over the past year that warn us that trust in institutions has decreased, including in nonprofits. One body of research that we will link in the show notes says that only 19% of people highly trust nonprofits. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about what causes people to trust a nonprofit, how you know if people trust your nonprofit, and what you can do to increase trust. Trust us, you'll want to take a listen.
Episode 47: Understand your donors’ why
Your donors give for a reason. Do you know what it is? In this episode, Sarah and Nancy explore four common reasons why donors give. They give advice on which of these groups of donors you should spend more of your time with and why. If you don't know why your donors give, listen for some ways that will help you find out. Your mission matters, and money is the fuel for you to deliver that mission. Take 20 minutes to reflect on your fundraising practice so you build your movement for the next year.
Episode 46: 2022 SERIES – Staffing our organizations in a time of the great resignation
The Nonprofit Radio Show continues its three-part 2022 leadership series with a focus on staffing. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about what is important to remember about building your team in 2022. On the table is an honest conversation about whether you need to pay your staff more in our current marketplace of work. If you are in a position of hiring staff, listen for specific advice on small steps you can take to strengthen your team. Our people matter. What will you do to strengthen your team?