Advocacy shouldn’t be a standalone topic, separate from the rest of running a nonprofit. It’s woven through leadership, governance, programs, finance, communications, and fundraising—whether we… Read More »2026 is the year we go all in on nonprofit advocacy
Boards are under pressure to “step up” as federal and state cuts constrict the oxygen that nonprofits need to breathe. Urgency, however, doesn’t translate to… Read More »“Should” isn’t motivating: How to help boards step up
At 99°C, water is very hot, but it’s not boiling. When the temperature increases by just one degree to 100°C, water begins to boil, transitioning… Read More »The One Degree Difference
When we frame information, we put boundaries around a topic and tell people what to focus on. We do the thinking work so they don’t have to.
Tools are key elements in an effective learning program. Tools help people to do their job. They also help with learning transfer.
We explore mental models as a way to help nonprofit people work faster, smarter, and with greater impact.
This fall, the Washington Nonprofits learning team changed up the emails we send related to webinars. Here’s an infographic explaining what we did and why.… Read More »Webinar emails: trying something new
It is kind of like Wonder Woman leaving her lasso of truth around a rock on Themyscira. It’s as if she forgot her vibranium… Read More »Wonder Woman needs her shield.
“What’s the ‘big idea’ for our conference?” Jim asked. “That kids need to be more engaged… actively involved in learning activities.” “And how are we… Read More »Our Learning Pledge
My daughter graduates from high school this week. Nearly 18 years anticipating what she will become, and now she is. It seems like just yesterday… Read More »Reflections on a Graduation
Press 1 to pledge calling your congressperson next week. Press 2 to invite a friend to attend a local meeting with you. Those are your… Read More »Press 1 for Action
“We find two dimensions, reflection and action, in such radical interaction that if one is sacrificed—even in part—the other immediately suffers.” – Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of… Read More »The Inseparability of Reflection and Action