"My board members won't...." fill in the blank: attend meetings, raise money, get more deeply involved in the issues we are facing, etc. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about why board members won't and what Executive Directors, board chairs, and others can do about it. They unpack what might be behind the "won't" and how we can change how we exchange board members to turn a "won't" to a "will."
Author: Nancy Bacon
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 56: What to do about inflation
Nonprofits are facing all of the same inflationary pressures as others across our communities. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about how a nonprofit can respond to inflation, particularly related to finance and fundraising. They share some ideas for thinking about salary adjustments, communicating with donors and supporters, and engaging board members in scenario planning. They highlight the importance of true cost accounting and advocacy as ways to expand the amount of money you have to work with. You got this.
Episode 55: Facilitation with Mike Beebe: How to ensure all voices are heard
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.
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.