Discover the essential "ingredients" for effective evaluation in nonprofits and community work. Learn how to choose meaningful metrics that align with your mission, build trust, and showcase impact. Start telling your organization’s story with data that matters.

In the nonprofit world, making an impact is just as important as knowing how to measure it—and that’s where a good evaluation plan comes in. It’s more than just numbers; it’s about getting a clear picture of how your work is affecting the people and communities you care about.

Understanding the impact of your programs isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about truly grasping how effective your efforts are and where improvements are needed. That’s where evaluation comes in. It’s not just a tool; it’s essential for enhancing the effectiveness of the great work you do in the communities you serve.

Today, I want to share a series that the Hidden Brain podcast is doing, called Us 2.0.

The first episode in the series is “What We Have in Common” and explores why we feel the way we do about people with differing political views with psychologist Kurt Gray.

Episode 2 in the series is, “Win Hearts, then Minds.” Sociologist Robb Willer shares the common mistakes we make in trying to persuade others.

This week, the 3rd episode is “Living with Our Differences” and features psychologist Peter Coleman. Dr. Coleman studies conflict and how disagreements become intractable and what we can do about it.

You are someone with a huge desire to make a difference and move your coalition to action. Effective meetings will get your community excited about being part of the change.

Here is one activity I often use when I facilitate a community meeting or training.

Since last year I failed miserably at my goal to transition to a 4-day work week, I decided to travel more in 2023 and take longer weekends more frequently. This past fall, I traveled to Shenandoah National Park. This is #10 out of 63 NPs for me.

Life teaches us so many lessons if we just open our hearts, minds, and spirit a bit.

I will take these 3 lessons with me as I continue to work in communities. Perhaps they will resonate with you as well.

Sometimes things don’t go as you planned. You loose an important partner, loose funding….you know. Life happens.

Five tips for Welcoming New Coalition Members